Background
The Malaysian Timber Industry Board, abbreviated MTIB, is a statutory body under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities  which is responsible for leading and developing the country's timber industry. MTIB is entrusted to coordinate in formulating policies and strategies to develop the country's timber industry so that it is competitive in the local and international markets.

Establishment
MTIB was established under the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (Incorporation) Act 1973 [Act 105]. This Act is a Federal Act of Malaysia made on 1 June 1973 which is a body corporate or a federal statutory body agency under the auspices and supervision of the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (KPPK). To ensure that MTIB continues to be the leading agency in the development of the country's timber industry, Act 105 underwent a comprehensive amendment in 2010 and was subsequently enforced through publication in the Government Gazette on 15 March 2011.

Vision
To be the prime agency instrumental for the development of a competitive timber industry.

Mission
To enhance the sustainable growth of the Malaysian timber industry through the provision of a conducive environment and continuous extension of quality services.

Client's Charter

1. Ensure approval for new registration applications as exporters, suppliers, processors, servicers and jetties operators within 3 working days from the date of complete application received;
2. Ensure approval of application for renewal of registration is completed within 2 working days from the date of complete application received;
3. Ensure that all completed license applications are processed online within 30 minutes at all MTIB Regional / State offices;
4. Carry out timber inspection services within 1 working day for complete application received at least a day before the date of inspection requested;
5. Ensure that all payment claims received are settled within 12 working days;
6. Ensure that the Timber Verification Services (TVS) is completed within 10 working days after the completed application is received;
7. Provide feedback to all industry inquiries within 2 working days; and
8. Provide quality, efficient and friendly services.

Objective
MTIB is responsible for initiating development of the various sectors of the timber industry and providing technical, marketing and other forms of assistance to ensure their continued growth within a rapidly industrialising Malaysian economy. As specifically provided by the Act, MTIB objectives include:

1. To further enhance industrialisation and upgrading of the timber industry with emphasis on value-added processing.
2. To promote and improve the markets and marketing of timber products.
3. To facilitate and strengthen the development of SMEs.
4. To develop and promote standard in quality timber products.
5. To foster orderliness in timber trade.

Function
In an effort to coordinate and control the timber industry and trade so that the industry will be able to grow and prosper and in accordance with Section 12 (1), Act 105, MTIB's area of ​​responsibility has been expanded with the following tasks:-

1. To regulate and control the trade in, and the marketing and distribution of, timber; 

2. To promote and improve the trade in, and markets for, timber; 

3. To co-ordinate activities for effective marketing and shipping of timber; 

4. To encourage effective utilization of timber with emphasis on product diversification and to promote improvement and economy in the methods of processing timber; 

5. To provide technical advisory services and training required to assist in the development of existing timber industries and the establishment of new industries; 

6. To assist the timber industries in the marketing of timber; 

7. To organize and assist in the consolidation of the small scale timber industries and the closer integration of the activities of the timber industries generally, so as to achieve greater efficiency in, and secure a stronger base for, the timber industry as a whole; 

8. To gather information on and maintain records of all relevant matters relating to the timber industry; 

9. To implement policies and development programmes to ensure the improvement and viability of the timber industry in Malaysia; 

10. To develop Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the timber industry to be more competitive; 

11. To implement control and monitor export, import, timber in transit and the domestic market; 

12. To carry out research, review and investigation, that are beneficial or appropriate to the carrying out of its functions; 

13. To develop and commercialize research findings for the benefit of the timber industry and to encourage the commercial use of research findings; 

14. To encourage and develop forest plantation activity for the purpose of the development of the timber industry and any other activity related to the development of forest plantation; 

15. To plan and carry out human resource development programmes parallel to the development of the timber industry; 

16. To liaise and co-ordinate with the relevant state Governments and other bodies, including members of any association within and outside Malaysia, in the interest of the timber industry; and 

17. Generally to do everything within the scope of the objectives of this act for the betterment and proper conduct of the timber industry. 

In fulfilling its functions, MTIB is empowered to:-

1. To enter into such negotiations and agreements or arrangements as the board considers necessary for carrying out its functions and for the promotion of the general interests of the timber industry and trade;

2. To undertake marketing of timber on behalf of the small scale timber industries;

3. To set up and maintain such establishments as the Board considers necessary for the discharge of its functions;

4. To appoint committees;

5.  To acquire, hold, dispose of or grant rights in connection with the results of any research conducted by or for the Board, or in connection with the results of any research undertaken by any person or organization for the Board;

6. To commission any person or body to carry out research or development;

7. To award certificates of proficiency in respect of training programmes and programmes recognized by the Board;

8. To issue licences, certificates, permits and approvals under this Act in respect of the timber industry;

9. To determine the standards and specifications of any timber product as the Board thinks proper for the timber industry;

10. To undertake and co-ordinate any activities relating to research and development in the planting, production and harvesting of forest plantation products;

11. To grant recognition and certification of timber quality assurance scheme to any person involved in timber production;

12. To collaborate with any recognized agencies or organizations within or outside Malaysia;

13. To carry out research and development activities for the development of timber products and downstream activities;

14. To provide loans, with or without interest, to bodies, companies or persons approved by the Minister for the execution of forest plantation programmes or any other programmes for the purpose of the development of the timber industry;

15. To carry out the role as the grading authority; and

16. To do all things expedient, necessary for or incidental to the performance of its functions under this Act.

Last Updated: 05 May 2023