MTCC Encourages Utilising MTCS-Certified Timber
To Support National Sustainability Agenda
Kuala Lumpur, 17 October 2018 – As the nation moves towards implementing green economy and becoming a centre for green technology, the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) operated by the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) is an important partner in this endeavour. The MTCS ensures that timber and timber products manufactured and traded from Malaysia are sourced from sustainably managed forests, covering social, environmental and economic aspects of forest management.
“This is the third time that MTCC is participating in the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM) 2018 which will be held from 17 to 20 October at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. We believe this is an ideal platform for us to reach out to more local and regional businesses, to raise awareness on the advantages of choosing certified timber as a raw material to grow the green economy,” said MTCC Chief Executive Officer, Yong Teng Koon.
According to MTCC, timber is and will remain as the most environment friendly material. It is renewable and consumes considerably less energy in its production compared to other raw materials.
“Businesses can support our national sustainability agenda as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 by prescribing the use of certified timber. The MTCS certification allows organisations, from small-and-medium-sized enterprises to large companies, to exercise responsible sourcing throughout their supply chains. In so doing, they will be contributing towards protecting the environment, in particular our precious and biologically rich tropical forests,” Yong elaborated.
To increase the uptake of MTCS certification locally, MTCC also encourages consumers to make conscious choices to support products made using certified timber. “We are happy to witness more and more local household brands including Royal Selangor, Signature Kitchen, Setia-Wood Industries (subsidiary of SP Setia), and Dapo Kitchenware, embrace sustainability requirements in their businesses through the MTCS Chain of Custody certification,” added Yong.
Since its implementation in 2001, a total of 4.46 million ha of forest areas and 368 timber companies have been certified under the MTCS. Currently, MTCS-certified timber is exported to 65 destinations worldwide including key markets such as the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Belgium, France and Japan.
MTCC will be located at Booth 1275, Hall 2 of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.