KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 2026 is proof that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand to create world-class furniture, says Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
She commended the MIFF 2026 for showcasing sustainable and environmentally responsible products and ideas, which will assist Malaysian furniture makers navigate the short-term tariff probabilities.
“The world is watching. And they want furniture that is not only aesthetically appealing but also responsible. We want everyone to see products that are not just ‘Made in Malaysia’ but ‘Designed in Malaysia’,” she said at the opening of MIFF 2026 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here yesterday.
This is the 32nd edition of the MIFF, which is the biggest furniture exhibition in South-East Asia.
The text of Noraini’s speech was delivered by Datuk Razali Mohammad, the deputy secretary-general of the Plantations and Commodities Ministry, due to her absence as she was called away to a Cabinet meeting.
In the speech, she spoke about the increasing demand for traceable, low-carbon timber products.
“Malaysia’s certified exporters will be well positioned to capture premium opportunities. This could pave the way for a gradual recovery and a more sustainable growth trajectory beyond the short-term tariff headwinds,” she said.
She called on the local furniture industry to inculcate sustainability and environmental responsibility in their products.
“Many of our manufacturers hold internationally recognised certifications such as the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme, endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification.
“These credentials position them favourably to access premium ESG-sensitive markets such as the European Union and Japan, partially cushioning trade challenges and preserving long-term competitiveness.
“We are also actively promoting alternative sustainable materials, including the utilisation of oil palm trunk biomass and the expansion of bamboo cultivation, which transforms waste into valuable resources,” she said.
These efforts, she said, are reflected in the growing number of exhibitors at MIFF who are integrating sustainability into their designs and production approaches, proving that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
“Design is no longer an optional element. It is a key driver for differentiation, brand identity and market positioning,” she added.
Noraini said that the local wooden furniture exports have continued to grow, and Malaysian-made furniture is welcomed in key markets such as the United States, Middle East, Australia and across Asean.
“The industry’s exceptional performance has reinforced the timber industry’s position as the third-largest contributor to Malaysia’s commodity exports.
“Overall, Malaysia’s timber and wood-based product exports are valued at over RM20bil annually, with wooden furniture now accounting for 43% of total timber exports.”
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.
“MIFF 2026 is more than just an exhibition. It is an oasis of ideas, cultures and opportunities. It is a celebration of progress, partnerships and possibilities,” he said.
He said that among the new ideas at MIFF this year were the “I Matched First” Day 0 matchmaking session held on Tuesday, the MIFF Business Centre and MIFF Furniture Design Club (FDC).
“At MIFF, we encourage the industry to move beyond being mere manufacturers and be the creators of ideas and trends,” said Tan.
Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia Sdn Bhd, MIFF 2026, which opened yesterday, will take place until tomorrow at WTCKL and Mitec.
Free shuttle services are provided between the two venues.
The event spans 100,000 sq m of total exhibition space, assembling more than 700 exhibitors and 20,000 buyers from 140 countries and regions. Among the countries taking part are China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Turkiye and Vietnam.
