Home essentials: Chan (centre), accompanied by Goi (left) and Sng, visiting the exhibits after officiating MFFM 2025 at WTCKL. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s furniture industry must prioritise innovation, sustainability and design to remain globally competitive instead of relying solely on price, says Datuk Chan Foong Hin.
The Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister noted that Malaysia enjoys a slight tariff advantage over Vietnam in the United States market – 19% compared with Vietnam’s 20%.
“We have an advantage but in the long run, I don’t think price will be the only factor. Innovation is key. We must move from only manufacturing in Malaysia to manufacturing and designing by Malaysia,” he said at the opening of the Malaysia Furniture Furnishings Market (MFFM) 2025 and CTCS Design Competition award ceremony here yesterday.
Vietnam is among Malaysia’s main competitors in the global furniture market, with both countries vying for share, particularly in the home and office segments.
Chan said international buyers are increasingly demanding eco- certified products, with the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) encouraging local manufacturers to obtain certification to strengthen their credibility.
He added that the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) is actively diversifying export markets, including participation in the Shanghai Expo next week.
“Traditionally, we rely a lot on the US and European markets. The megatrend now is the emergence of other countries, and we must not overlook these opportunities,” he said.
Despite global headwinds, Chan said the timber industry remained resilient, with exports rising 4.9% to RM22.9bil in 2024.
Wooden furniture contributed RM9.9bil, up 8.4%, and now accounts for more than 40% of Malaysia’s total timber exports to more than 160 countries.
Chan attributed this success to strong craftsmanship, design innovation and collaboration with agencies such as the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), MTC and MTCC.
Over 370 companies are now certified under the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme, endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), giving Malaysia global recognition as a trusted source of responsibly made furniture.
Looking ahead, Chan identified three megatrends that will shape the industry – sustainability and ESG (environment, social and governance), digital transformation and design innovation.
“Compliance with international standards is no longer optional. Industry 4.0 technologies are reshaping the way furniture is designed and manufactured, and the government is supporting SMEs with assessments and matching grants,” he said.
MFFM 2025 officially opened its doors at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), showcasing Malaysian furniture and home decor to international buyers from Sept 4-6.
Derrisen Sdn Bhd project director Karen Goi said the platform was created with a clear vision to meet the evolving sourcing needs of global buyers, while strengthening Malaysia’s position in the international furniture trade.
“Our tagline ‘Connecting Markets, Expanding Business Horizons’ reflects this vision. We aim to be the vital bridge linking Malaysia’s manufacturing excellence with worldwide demand, while helping participants discover new partners, product innovations, and opportunities,” she said in her speech.
This year’s edition has drawn strong international interest, with pre-registrations from buyers in over 50 countries and more than 100 high-level participants under the Hosted Buyers Programme.
Exhibitor numbers have also grown by over 30% compared with last year, with Malaysian manufacturers forming the majority, alongside participants from China and Japan.
MFFM 2025 features a wide range of products across categories including bedroom, dining, living room, outdoor, home office, hotel and resort, as well as furniture materials, fittings, lighting and decor. The event is endorsed by the Plantation and Commodities Ministry with support from MTIB, MTC, CTCS Worldwide and Matrade.
Also present were Plantation and Commodities Ministry deputy secretary-general (Commodities) Datuk Razali Mohamad, MTIB chairman Datuk Larry Sng Wei Shien, MTC chief executive officer Noraihan Abdul Rahman, CTCS Worldwide Sdn Bhd general manager Hamidah Abdullah and WTCKL Group chief executive officer Fauzy Wahab.
