The 3rd Malaysian International Commodity Conference & Showcase (MICCOS) was held at the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) on 13 - 16 August 2009.

During the Official Opening of MICCOS 2009, the Most Honourable, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, recognised the commodity-based industry as an important pillar in the commodity-based nation’s growth. In 2008, the major commodities collectively contributed 5% to Malaysia’s GDP, and chalking export earnings of RM112.4 billion for the country. In charting the growth of such an important sector, he also outlined the need for more automation and mechanisation, particularly given the fact that there are currently 1.4 million foreign workers in the agricultureand commodity-based sector.

Specifically touching on the wood-based sector, Tan Sri Muhyiddin highlighted the development of forest plantation as a new source of growth for the sector, particularly in securing the future supply of raw materials for further downstream processing. This development programme aims to establish 25,000ha of forest plantation per year for fifteen years, in an attempt to produce 75 million m³ of wood-based raw material by the year 2020. The Deputy Prime Minister also specifically recognised MTC’s initiative in generating sufficient interest among industry members to develop a glu-laminated industry in Malaysia.

Showcasing the Best of Malaysian Forestry and Timber Industry

MTC, together with agencies like the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC), the Malaysian Furniture Promotion Council (MFPC) and Forest Plantation Development Sdn Bhd (FPDSB) jointly showcased various highlights of the Malaysian timber and forestry industry.

MTC co-ordinated the presentation of a special section dedicated to Malaysian forestry and forest plantation. This provided visitors with details of, for example, the initiative and impetus behind the development of large-scale forest plantations in Malaysia, the species planted and the expected volume of timber output in 10 - 15 years’ time to feed into the industry’s needs.

Another point of interest at the pavilion is the R&D Section, where MTC coordinated the exhibition on product development within the Malaysian timber industry.

An MTC-initiated glulam interest group has already had a few discussions on the development of a glulam industry
in Malaysia.

A wooden house constructed by MTIB based on the Industrialised Building System (IBS) was also showcased
at the timber pavilion.

Publicising the Beauty of Malaysian Timbers

Wood is a highly versatile building material that has been used by man since time immemorial. For centuries, wood has been used to adorn spectacular structures and amazing interiors. Year after year, because of its versatility, there is no shortage of ideas in showcasing wood in refreshing new ways.

In promoting the use of wood in the domestic market, MTC organised an engaging talk entitled “The Beauty of Malaysian Timbers”. The talk was presented by two of the most enthusiastic and passionate lovers of timber, who espoused their experience on the “yin” and “yang” of timber. Ar. Azman Md. Nor shared his love for wood and talk about the “art” of using wood as a construction material. The “bold and stylish” TV celebrity, Eric Leong took the audience through the use of timber in transforming interiors into breathtaking living spaces. 160 attendees, made up of architects, interior designers, students and members of the public, were present at the event.

MTC’s recently launched book entitled “Architectural Use of Timber in Malaysia”, was also on sale during the Timber Talk as well as throughout the duration of MICCOS 2009. This book is the first Malaysian publication to systematically present all the necessary technical information on timber to allow architects to confidently work with this material.

Keeping the Masses Informed

In conjunction with MICCOS 2009, MTC also organised a Local Media Familiarisation Programme on 12 - 14 August. The eight journalists involved in the programme represented the Borneo Post (Sarawak), the Star, Eastern Times (Sarawak), Bernama, See Hua Daily News Berhad (Sarawak), the Daily Express (Sabah) and B&I Marketing.

Overall, it could be said that MTC’s efforts in ensuring the success of MICCOS, held biennially, was highly fruitful.
The Council looks forward to extending its assistance and cooperation again in MICCOS 2011.