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Suhaili , 39 , who has a master ’ s degree in petroleum technology from Curtin University of Technology , Australia , and a bachelor ’ s degree in mechatronics engineering from the International Islamic University of Malaysia ( IIUM ), is currently pursuing his doctoral degree ( PhD ) in business administration .
Prior to joining MTC , Muhtar was the lead project engineer in Shell Malaysia where he worked for 15 years , and with Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd prior to that . He was also the chairman of Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council ( MPOCC ) for a brief period in 2020 .
Muhtar has extensive knowledge in managing mega projects , business planning , business improvement initiatives , manpower planning and human resource development . Having work exposure in The Netherlands and Germany , he also has experience in managing engineering design offices .
“ I highly believe with his vast experience and knowledge within various industries and multinational organisations , Muhtar will be instrumental in enhancing MTC ’ s efforts in bringing the Malaysian timber industry to greater heights ,” says MTC Chairman Tuan Haji Mazli Zakuan Mohd Noor .
A humanitarian at heart , Muhtar has devoted much of his time in voluntary social work which centres on education and healthcare issues , among others . He has also presented papers and spoken at international arenas on industrial development and people empowerment , especially the youth . In an exclusive interview with Timber iQ , Suhaili tells us about the challenges and opportunities for the timber industry in Malaysia .
What specific challenges have you identified to be addressed by the Malaysian timber industry ? The major challenges that we face in Malaysia are the supply of raw materials , technological advancements , product innovation and design . In addition , I would say that labour issues is another major challenge .
The continuity of timber raw material supply is fundamental to the development of the timber industry . The development and promotion of value-added products with original design concepts is also crucial . There is a need for the manufacturers to progress towards becoming Original Design Manufacturers and Original Brand Manufacturers to be more competitive . It is also important to leverage on automation and mechanisation to improve production efficiency .
This is in line with the Fourth Industry Revolution ( IR4.0 ) such as the use of robots and components of IoT ( sensors , vision system ), simulation , real time data collection and analytics in the timber industry .
Some of the activities formulated include : a . Import Assistance Programme ( IAP ) which helps with the augmentation of raw materials to produce value-added products . b . Financial Incentive for Purchase of Machinery ( FIPM ) which encourages the timber-based manufacturers to automate and adopt the latest technology . c . Design Incubator Programme which is a collaboration between Malaysian timber and furniture manufacturers with designers / architects for the development of Malaysian-made high-value branded products with design concepts . d . Business Succession Programme which will help the second generation of the family to run the companies . e . Factory Automation & Smart Manufacturing , a programme focusing on intensifying efforts towards the adoption of automation and digitalisation as a prelude to IR4.0 . It includes the Purchase of Software to Digitalise Business Processes ; Smart Manufacturing Consultation and Process Line Automation , among others . f . Engineer Placement in Industry is a programme designed to prepare engineers with customised training for the timber industry . g . Product Development which will promote the utilisation of local timber species , for example , Merpauh and Sepetir for the production of high-value products . This includes the Bumiputera Development Programme which MTC would collaborate with The Malaysian Timber Industry Board . h . Various dialogues to be conducted regularly with its foreign counterparts via online on probable business opportunities and continues to participate in international trade exhibitions and missions , virtually too . i . At the same time , MTC also delve into the field of digital marketing and communication where we will promote the adoption and implementation of digital solutions to improve the marketing aspects of timber companies to prepare themselves in the new business environment postpandemic . j . In the area of elevating Malaysian brands , MTC would also have programmes to assist industry branding .
How many members does the MTC represent ? MTC represents the interest of members of the Malaysian timber industry from the following six timber associations :
• Malaysian Wood Industries Association ( MWIA )
• The Timber Exporters ’ Association of Malaysia ( TEAM )
• The Malaysian Panel-Products Manufacturers Association ( MPMA )
• Malaysian Wood Moulding & Joinery Council ( MWMJC )
• Malaysian Furniture Council ( MFC )
• Association of Malaysian Bumiputra Timber and Furniture Entrepreneurs ( PEKA ).
There is also a need to strengthen the competency and knowledge of the local workers in the timber industry to facilitate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies which will improve productivity and reduce the high dependency on unskilled foreign workers .
In view of these challenges , MTC , via its 5-Year Plan for 2019-2023 , has laid out its strategic approach in transforming the timber industry in the country . The plan is made up of four Key Thrusts and fourteen Focus Areas to address the above challenges .
What are the opportunities in the Malaysian timber industry ? The timber industry provides employment opportunities to more than 100 000 workers . With over 1 900 mills in Malaysia , the industry offers a wide range of timber products such as sawntimber ; panel products like plywood , Medium-Density Fibreboard ( MDF ), particleboard , chipboard and Laminated Veneer Lumber ( LVL ); mouldings ; joinery products like decking , wooden flooring , doors , staircases , lamscant , window frames and picture frames and indoor , office and outdoor furniture .
www . timberiq . co . za // FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021 17