KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 2026 shows how sustainability and innovation can combine to create world-class furniture, says the Plantations and Commodities Minister.
Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad (pic) said this at the MIFF 2026 opening at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC) on Wednesday (March 4). It was the 32nd MIFF, the largest furniture exhibition in Southeast Asia.
Plantations and Commodities Ministry deputy secretary general Datuk Razali Mohammad read Noraini's speech on her behalf. Noraini was unable to attend because she was called away to a Cabinet meeting.
Noraini said, “We want everyone to recognise products designed in Malaysia, not just made in Malaysia.”
She called on the local furniture industry to embed sustainability and environmental responsibility in their products.
“Many manufacturers hold internationally recognised certifications such as the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS), endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These credentials help them access premium ESG-sensitive markets, such as the European Union and Japan," she said.
“We also promote sustainable materials, including oil palm trunk biomass and expanded bamboo cultivation, transforming waste into valuable resources," she added.
She said that exports of local wooden furniture have grown steadily. Malaysian-made furniture is welcomed in key markets such as the United States, the Middle East, Australia, and across Asean.
"The industry's strong performance has made timber the third-largest contributor to Malaysia’s commodity exports.
“Overall, Malaysia’s timber and wood-based product exports are valued at over RM20bil annually. Wooden furniture accounts for 43% of total timber exports," she said.
She added that her ministry aims to consolidate RM32.8bil in timber exports by 2030.
Earlier, in his welcoming speech, MIFF founder and chairman Datuk Dr Tan Chin Huat stated that MIFF 2026 would set the future direction of the Malaysian furniture industry.
He said MIFF's new ideas this year include the "I Matched First" Day 0 Matchmaking session on March 3, the Business Centre, and the Furniture Design Club (FDC).
“Selected collaborations under the FDC CLUB’s programme will unveil their finished products at MITEC, alongside the MIFF FDC 2026 finalists who will also be showcasing their design works, highlighting the journey from ideas to industry-ready innovation,” said Tan.
Tan also introduced "FurniFusion," which showcases made-in-Malaysia furniture for homes, offices, and lifestyles.
Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia Sdn Bhd, MIFF 2026 runs from March 4 to 7, at WTCKL and MITEC, with free shuttle services between the two venues. The event spans 100,000 square metres of exhibition space, bringing together more than 700 exhibitors and 20,000 buyers from 140 countries and regions.
Among the countries taking part are China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Turkey, and Vietnam.
The event also features the MIFF Furniture Design Competition, an exclusive showcase featuring budding young Malaysian designers, and a tree-planting campaign which will see organisers replant a tree for every six virtual trees sponsored by visitors.
This year’s sustainability efforts are sponsored by Ecomate Sdn Bhd and the Muar Furniture Association (MFA) alongside sustainability partner Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM).
Last year, MIFF 2025 generated an estimated US$1.31 billion in on-site revenue.
