September-October , 2020 | @ Forest industry
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Khoo Yeow Chong , President of Malaysian Furniture Council .
Back on track
Malaysian furniture industry recovers post-MCO
“ After the RMCO , the sales in May , June and July have been good . But we are looking at slow sales beginning in August and September . We hope it will get better .”
— Khoo Yeow Chong
By Khirtini K KUMARAN
As the Covid-19
pandemic peaked in March , the Malaysian government implemented the Movement Control Order ( MCO ), disrupting many industries and businesses . The furniture industry was one .
Khoo Yeow Chong of Dynamic Furniture Sdn Bhd and the President of Malaysian Furniture Council said : “ The sales in the furniture and woodworking industry reduced to about 20 per cent in the first 10 months of this year as compared to last year .”
However , since the Recovery MCO ( RMCO ) and with the resumption of work , it has been gradually getting back on track .
When it comes to the wholesale and retail businesses , it has been slow during the MCO .
He continued : “ After the RMCO , the sales in May , June and July have been good . But we are looking at slow sales beginning in August and September . We hope it will get better .”
Furniture supply contracts for property development projects , such as hotels and offices , have been continuing as well .
More US buyers
“ Since the construction work in hotels and offices are almost done , the furniture , interior and finishing work are underway .”
According to Khoo , in terms of export , the industry has been doing very well .
“ The US market has been slow . But there is still demand for Malaysian wooden furniture . The orders are full till July next year .”
He attributed it to the US buyers diverting orders from China to Southeast Asian countries for wooden furniture .
“ Due to the US-China trade issues ,
Malaysia may have gained some benefits in the export matter .”
Khoo believes Malaysia has the potential to become the leading furniture exporter in Southeast Asia .
“ Malaysia has abundant timber resources , and it is an advantage for our furniture industry .”
He hopes with a stable government focusing on the economic growth , along with fair use of the resources , Malaysia ’ s furniture and wood industry can be improved and developed into the best in the region .
In response to how the government has helped the industry amidst the pandemic , Khoo replied : “ The government aids , such as the Wage Subsidy Programme in the Prihatin stimulus package . The Economic Recovery Plan ( Penjana ) has helped ease the burden and sustain the furniture businesses during MCO .”
He is also incredibly grateful to the government for implementing the loan moratorium , which helped those who had instalments to pay . — @ Forest