Malaysian Timber Council - MTC

Kuala Lumpur, 7 September 2026: The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) organised its Basic First Aid Training on 1 and 2 September 2026 at MTC Headquarters, with 44 staff members taking part. The programme aimed to strengthen workplace safety, emergency preparedness and staff well-being.

Conducted by CERT Academy, the two-day programme combined classroom learning with hands-on practical sessions on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED), choking management and wound care. Participants also took part in a scenario-based emergency drill to improve teamwork, response skills and confidence in handling emergency situations.

Opening the programme, MTC Chief Executive Officer Puan Noraihan Abdul Rahman emphasised that first aid is a practical life skill with value beyond the workplace, enabling individuals to respond effectively during emergencies at work, at home and in the community. She also noted that staff safety, well-being and development are part of MTC’s broader sustainability efforts and contribute to a safer, more supportive workplace.

Through this initiative, MTC continues to build a culture of safety and preparedness while equipping its staff with the practical knowledge, skills and confidence to respond effectively when needed.

Georgia, 7 September 2026: MTC Americas participated in the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) Atlanta 2026, held from 25 to 28 August 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

As one of the key biennial events for the global woodworking industry, IWF brought together industry players from across the value chain, showcasing the latest machinery, technologies, materials, components and solutions for furniture and interior applications.

Throughout the four-day event, the MTC Americas booth welcomed visitors from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Haiti, Spain, Egypt and other markets. The engagement provided an opportunity to strengthen industry connections and promote Malaysian timber and wood-based products to international buyers.

Amid an increasingly dynamic global trade environment, many visitors expressed interest in sourcing timber and wood-based materials, particularly plywood, from Malaysia as they explore alternative supply sources and strengthen supply chain resilience. Discussions also covered tariff developments and transshipment requirements, reflecting the growing importance of trade-related considerations in sourcing decisions.

The MTC Americas booth was represented by Ms Lai Mei Theng, Regional Representative, and Mrs Angelina Rouget, Marketing Executive, who engaged with visitors and industry representatives throughout the event.

Penang, 4 September 2026: The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), in collaboration with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), successfully concluded the Penang session of the MTC Occupational Safety and Health Coordinator (OSH-C) Training Programme, held from 1 to 3 September 2026 at Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai. The three-day programme brought together 22 participants from 18 timber companies, equipping them with greater understanding of occupational safety and health requirements, statutory obligations and practical approaches to improving workplace safety within timber manufacturing and processing operations.

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will receive the official NIOSH OSH-C e-Certificate and be registered in the MyKKP system as qualified OSH Coordinators. Participating companies will also receive a complimentary Workplace Improvement Needs Analysis (WINA) by NIOSH to help identify further opportunities to strengthen workplace safety and health practices. The session also received encouraging industry support, with Penang Furniture and Timber Industry Association (PFTIA) President YBhg. Dato’ Ooi Teng Hai, Deputy President Ms Ooi Siew Ting and Secretary General Mr Chuah Hang Chew visiting the training in support of MTC’s efforts to promote a stronger safety culture across the timber industry.

The Penang session marks the successful completion of the first three sessions of the programme, following earlier sessions in Muar and Kuala Lumpur. The remaining sessions will be held in Batu Pahat and Kuala Terengganu. MTC extends its appreciation to NIOSH, trainer Mr Zulkepli bin Ibrahim, PFTIA and all participating companies for their continued support and commitment towards building safer, healthier and more resilient workplaces across Malaysia’s timber industry.

Selamat Menyambut Hari Kebangsaan 2026! 🇲🇾

Merdeka bukan sekadar tanggal dalam sejarah, tetapi semangat perjuangan dan perpaduan yang terus hidup dalam jiwa setiap rakyat Malaysia.

Bersama kita menghayati semangat kemerdekaan dengan memperkukuh perpaduan, menghargai warisan negara dan terus melakar kejayaan demi Malaysia yang lebih gemilang.

Tulus Ikhlas Daripada:
Pengerusi, Ahli Lembaga Pemegang Amanah, Pengurusan & Seluruh Warga Malaysian Timber Council (MTC)

Kuala Lumpur, 28 August 2026: The Merdeka spirit was alive at MTC Headquarters on 28 August 2026 as the MTC team came together for a Miniature Kampung House activity, bringing out creativity, teamwork and the spirit of gotong-royong.

In her welcoming remarks, MTC CEO Puan Noraihan Abdul Rahman reminded everyone that one of Malaysia’s greatest strengths is our unity, and that working together with purpose enables us to achieve more. This spirit was reflected throughout the afternoon as teams worked together to create and decorate their miniature kampung houses.

The celebration also included the singing of “Negaraku” and “Jalur Gemilang”, in conjunction with this year’s Merdeka theme, “Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati.” A simple but meaningful celebration of togetherness, pride and what it means to be Malaysian.

Selamat Hari Kebangsaan ke-69! 🇲🇾🙌🏻

🌎 Regional Engagement with the Timber Industry (US)

Join MTC Americas for a virtual Regional Engagement session as we share the latest updates on developments in the US timber market and MTC Americas’ programmes.

📅 3 September 2026 (Thursday)
⏰ 10.00 AM (Malaysia Time)
🎙️ Presenter: Ms. Lai Mei Theng, Regional Representative, MTC Americas
💻 Platform: Zoom Webinar

Gain insights into the latest developments and stay updated on MTC Americas’ activities and programmes in the US.

👉 Register now:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BT6_l5MWQQOh3h0l_ETcLg

Perak, 27 August 2026: The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) brought together 22 participants from 19 companies for the Factory Transformation Programme (FTP) Sharing Session, themed “The Factory Transformation Journey: From Challenges to Change”, hosted by TD Furniture Square Sdn Bhd. The session was organised to promote peer learning among industry players, encourage greater participation in FTP and demonstrate the practical benefits of factory transformation through the experience of a participating company.

Mr Wong Kok Hoon, owner of TD Furniture Square Sdn Bhd, shared the company’s transformation journey under FTP, including efforts to strengthen lean practices on the factory floor, develop customised systems and move from fragmented Excel-based processes towards a more integrated digital environment using ERPNext, digital forms, Metabase and AI-powered automation. His sharing provided participants with practical insights into the challenges encountered, solutions adopted and improvements achieved throughout the company’s transformation journey. The programme also included a guided factory tour, giving participants first-hand exposure to how the initiatives have been implemented in actual operations and how structured improvements can contribute to better productivity, operational efficiency and business performance.

Through sharing sessions such as this, MTC provides a platform for timber industry players to learn from one another, exchange practical experiences and better understand how FTP can support their own transformation efforts. MTC was represented at the session by members of the Industry Development and Transformation Division (IDTD), led by its Director, Ms Lau Li Har, together with Ms Ong Lay Lee, Manager, and Senior Executives Ms Noor Ateeqah Abdul Rahman and Ms Rachel Joanes Ling.

Salam Maulidur Rasul 1448H 🌙

Sempena sambutan Maulidur Rasul, marilah kita bersama-sama meneladani sunnah dan akhlak mulia Rasulullah SAW sebagai panduan dalam kehidupan.

Semoga kecintaan kepada Baginda menginspirasi kita untuk memperkukuh perpaduan serta menyemai nilai kasih sayang, amanah dan ihsan dalam setiap langkah kehidupan.

Tulus Ikhlas Daripada:
Pengerusi, Ahli Lembaga Pemegang Amanah, Pengurusan & Seluruh Warga Malaysian Timber Council (MTC)

Kuala Lumpur, 24 August 2026: The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) welcomed YB Senator Tan Sri Dato’ Low Kian Chuan, Chairman of the Malaysia-China Business Council (MCBC), and a four-member media delegation from China’s Nanfang Media Group (Nanfang Daily) for a courtesy visit to MTC’s headquarters in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, on 21 August 2026.

The visit formed part of the delegation’s international reporting project, “APEC: Forty Years of Overseas Chinese,” which focuses on Malaysia-China economic cooperation, regional developments within APEC, and business opportunities between Malaysia and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Accompanying YB Senator Tan Sri Dato’ Low were Mr Georgie Too, Chief Operating Officer, and Ms Choong Yuxun, Senior Liaison Executive, both from MCBC.

The delegation was welcomed by MTC Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr Mokhtar Mohd Yaacob, together with Senior Director of Market Promotion Mr Tan Ting Wai, Director of Strategic Planning and Sustainability Mr Khairul Anwar, and Acting Director of Corporate Communications Ms Sharmila Velappu. In his brief welcoming remarks, Mr Mokhtar also acknowledged Tan Sri’s longstanding association with MTC, having previously served as Chairman and as a member of its Board of Trustees.

During the visit, the delegation was briefed on MTC’s role and an overview of Malaysia’s timber industry, including its products, trade and key markets. The visit concluded with a tour of the MTC Gallery, where the delegation viewed samples of Malaysian timber species and timber products.