Timber product growth to slow

After posting a growth of 6.5% to RM22.1bil in 2015, Malaysia’s export of timber and timber products is expected to be flat this year, as the ringgit stabilises and shortages in labour and raw material weigh on the sector. HO WAH FOON reports.

THE sterling performance of the timber products sector last year may not be repeated this year as the weak ringgit and falling freight rates (which Malaysian exporters have to pay) are likely to have hit the bottom, according to newly-elected president of the Timber Exporters Association of Malaysia (TEAM).