Page 26 - FDMAsia JanFeb 2025

24 FOCUS JAN/FEB 2025 FDM ASIA | www.fdmasia.com

SteKrueBe

of Malaysian wood products through innovation, sustainability local businesses and attracts investment.
certification and market diversification. He is reported as saying “Engineered wood provides
Between January and August 2024, timber exports have solutions to many environmental challenges. Unlike concrete
shown positive growth, increasing 8.9 percent to RM15.2 and steel, it is a renewable resource with a much lower
billion compared to RM14.01 billion in the same period in carbon footprint. It absorbs and stores carbon, helping fight
2023 he said after the launch of the Malaysia Timber Expo climate change.”
(MWE) 2025.
Carbon offset guidelines

Engineered wood production A Technical Working Group (TWG) for Forest Carbon Offset
Sarawak is targeting one million hectares of land for planted Guidelines has been established by the Ministry of Natural
forest to meet the demand in overseas markets for the raw Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES).
material to produce engineered wood, according to Deputy The TWG, working through the Malaysia Forest Fund
Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration, and (MFF), is developing a national crediting system designed
Environment, Len Talif Salleh. to align with Malaysia’s unique environmental context while
In highlighting the role of engineered wood in driving actively supporting the country’s commitment to maintaining

Sarawak’s economic, environmental and social development, over 50 percent forest cover.
Len Talif said such an investment would create jobs, support The crediting system also fulfils the objectives of the