^{YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani delivering his speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Malaysian Wood Expo (MWE) 2025 held earlier today at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur.}


Flagship timber expo returns as Malaysia’s industry adapts to global trade shifts and accelerates its sustainability agenda.
 
 
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Wood Expo (MWE) 2025, the nation’s premier international timber and woodworking trade exhibition, officially opened its doors today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.
 
Organised by the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), the two-day trade event brings together a dynamic mix of international and local exhibitors, buyers, and industry leaders under one roof, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a key player in the global and sustainable timber trade.
 
The opening ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who commended MTC for successfully uniting the global timber fraternity to foster collaboration and strengthen Malaysia’s trade networks. “Malaysia’s timber industry remains a key economic pillar under the National Agri-commodity Policy 2021–2030 (DAKN 2030),” said the Minister.
 
In 2024, Malaysia’s timber exports reached USD5.01 billion (RM22.92 billion), reflecting a 5% year-on-year growth, while exports from January to August 2025 recorded USD3.45 billion (RM14.49 billion) with a trade surplus of RM8.60 billion. These figures demonstrate the continued global confidence in Malaysia’s timber products and the industry’s resilience amid a changing market landscape.
 
Datuk Seri Johari also highlighted Malaysia’s longstanding commitment to sustainable forestry. “Today, 54.6% of the nation’s land area remains under forest cover, further showcasing our commitment made at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. As of today, 5.85 million hectares of forests have been certified under the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS), placing Malaysia among the top ten countries globally with the largest area of sustainably managed forests” he added.
 
MTC Chief Executive Officer, Puan Noraihan Abdul Rahman, delivered the welcoming remarks on behalf of MTC Chairman, Datu Haji Zainal Abidin Haji Abdullah, who shared that MWE has evolved from a regional exhibition into one of the most dynamic trade platforms in the region since its debut in 2019. Quoting Datu Chairman, Puan Noraihan said, “MWE is not just a marketplace but a platform for solutions and collaboration — where commerce, creativity, and sustainability converge to shape the future of the global timber industry”.
 
This year’s edition of MWE 2025 features 127 exhibitors from 19 countries, including China, Germany, Austria, Uruguay, and Thailand. The Expo also plays host to the Incoming Buying Mission (IBM), jointly organised by MTC and MATRADE, which brings in 84 sponsored buyers from 28 countries, and the Inbound Overseas Suppliers Programme (IOSP), connecting Malaysian manufacturers with 18 leading raw material suppliers from ten countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Canada, the United States, and Chile.
 
MWE 2025 also features a high-level Timber Conference, gathering global experts and industry leaders to share insights on market developments, innovation, and sustainable design trends. The Expo further showcases two architectural highlights — the award-winning “Timber Flow: The Folded Crest” and The Nest Pavilion — serving as visual centrepieces that embody Malaysia’s creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling through sustainable materials.
 
Supported by the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK), Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), and Tourism Malaysia, MWE 2025 is endorsed by 15 local and international organisations and backed by three corporate sponsors. The event is expected to attract over 3,000 trade visitors, cementing its standing as one of the most influential timber trade events in the region. 

About the Malaysian Timber Council
The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) was established in January 1992 to promote the Malaysian timber trade and develop global markets for Malaysian timber products. Its objectives are to develop the timber industry by expanding its manufacturing technology base and increasing value-added production; strengthen the supply of raw materials for the timber-processing sector; provide information and advisory services to the industry; and enhance the global credibility and reputation of Malaysia’s timber industry. Further information on the Council’s activities can be obtained from www.mtc.com.my. 

Issued by the Malaysian Timber Council
 

SOURCE: Malaysian Timber Council (MTC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Ms. Alexis Chang
Corporate Communications Division (CCD)
Tel: 03-9286 9970
E-mail: alexis@mtc.com.my
 
Name: Ms. Sharmila Velappu
Corporate Communications Division (CCD)
Tel: 03-9286 9971
E-mail: sharm@mtc.com.my  

--BERNAMA