EFFECTIVE 1 JULY 2008, THE MALAYSIAN TIMBER CERTIFICATION COUNCIL (MTCC) WILL IMPLEMENT A NEW INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT FOR THE MALAYSIAN TIMBER CERTIFICATION SCHEME (MTCS). THE NEW INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT IS AN IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT FOR THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE MTCS BY THE PEFC COUNCIL, WHICH OPERATES THE PROGRAMME FOR THE ENDORSEMENT OF FOREST CERTIFICATION SCHEMES (PEFC). IT IS ALSO A REQUIREMENT OF THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT POLICIES OF MANY KEY TIMBER IMPORTING COUNTRIES, ESPECIALLY IN EUROPE.

In a briefing session held in Kuala Lumpur on 22 May 2008, MTCC and the Department of Standards Malaysia presented information papers to provide a better understanding to MTCC certificate holders, new applicants and registered assessors on the implementation of the new arrangement for the MTCS, which is operated by MTCC. The briefing session was attended by 102 participants who also included representatives of timber industry associations and relevant government agencies.