Malaysian Panel-Products Manufacturers' Association
Although the history of the plywood industry could be traced as far back as
1940, it was not until the mid-sixties that the need arose for setting up
an organisation to represent the interests of the industry as a whole. The
Malaysian Plywood Manufacturers' Association was established on 5th August 1965.
Unlike most other associations and societies, MPMA was registered under the
Companies Ordinances (1940-46) as a Company Limited by Guarantee and is governed
by the Companies Act (1965).
When MPMA was initially formed, it included members from Singapore as well.
In fact the founder Members consisted of four representatives from Malaysia and
three from Singapore. MPMA was described as a Malaysian association although it
had membership from Singapore mills. On 15th January 1966, the name was changed
to "The Malaysian and Singapore Plywood Manufacturers' Association".
However on 23rd September 1967, the association got back her initial name due to
Singapore's separation from the Federation of Malaysia.
With the approval of the Registrar of Companies, the association experienced
another name changed on 15th April 1991 from "The Malaysian Plywood
Manufacturers' Association" to "The Malaysian Panel-Products
Manufacturers' Association". The members felt that the change was
appropriate as the plywood trade was closely inter-linked with those of other
panel products. With the change, MPMA would be able to represent the interests
of the plywood and panel products holistically.
The prime objective for which MPMA was first formed was the promotion of the
manufacture and use of plywood in the country as well as abroad. This basic aim
has not altered over the years. There is still a need for collective efforts in
encouraging the wider usage of plywood, veneer and related products amongst
consumers in Malaysia and those in the various overseas markets.
The second important objective is to provide a common platform for the
plywood and panel products manufacturers to get together to discuss common
problems and to seek mutually beneficial solutions. In other words, the
objective is towards closer co-operation amongst the mills.
The other objectives of MPMA include the following :-
- to promote the export of plywood and panel products
- to set standards of quality for adoption by panel products manufacturers
- to promote efficiency and improve the standard of manufacturing in the
industry
- to collect and obtain statistics and other information relating to plywood
and panel products manufacture
- to work closely with the Government Departments particularly the Forestry
Department, the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia and the Malaysian
Timber Industry Board
- to establish close rapport and to co-operate closely with the Government
and private sector organisation in pursuit of National Policies in relation
to wood-based industries
From a small beginning of only 7 members in 1965, MPMA now grown to 96
members, 55 in Peninsular Malaysia, 26 in Sabah and 15 in Sarawak. In 1973, MPMA
for the first time opened its doors to companies engaged in activities
"related" to the plywood industry as Associate Members bringing the
number to 33 Associate Members. The Associate Members found it useful of being
part of the family as it gave them direct exposure to the industry. In addition,
they are regularly kept informed of any developments in the various markets,
both domestically and internationally.
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MTC’s
