By TEH ENG HOCK
JOHOR BARU: The state government has earmarked some 26,000ha of land for the planting of rubber trees to supply timber to the furniture industry. 

State International Trade and Industry, Energy, Water and Telecommunications committee chairman Tan Kok Hong said selected areas would be planted with a type of rubber tree which grows faster and bigger than normal rubber trees. 


“Researchers have come up with a clone where the rubber tree grows much faster and bigger for the purpose of timber harvesting compared with those cultivated for latex harvesting,” he said. 

He said the areas have yet to be identified, but the trees would be planted in areas which are bare, such as former logging areas. 

He added that the move is to pre-empt the shortage of rubber wood supply, which is a main component of most locally made furniture. 

“Johor makes 40% to 45% of the furniture in the country, mostly in the Muar, Kluang and Johor Baru districts. 

“And 90% of the furniture made nationwide are exported to countries like the United States, Britain and UAE,” he said. 

He added out of the RM23.3bil wood products exported last year, RM6.4bil was from furniture export. 

“By 2017, the national target is to hit RM10bil in furniture exports,” he said. 

He said the furniture industry faced competition from China and Vietnam, which produce low-cost products. 

“Instead of competing in the low cost sector, we should focus on a niche market and emphasise on value-added manufacturing. 

“So we need to resort to creative and innovative designs to compete in the international market,” he said after launching the Johor Furniture Fair on Friday.