Muar Furniture Park to be game-changer for local furniture industry

MUAR: The development of Muar Furniture Park in Bakri will be a game-changer for the local furniture industry and will boost the industry further.

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong said the park forms part of efforts to improve the export of local furniture and ensure that the industry will continue to grow.

“The park is the first of its kind as all the facilities needed by the industry would be located in one place. This will turn Muar into the centre of the furniture industry in Malaysia,” said Mah.

He said last year, Malaysian furniture exports stood at RM10.14 billion, a 6.4 per cent increase from RM9.53 billion recorded in 2016.

“Malaysian furniture is known for its quality and competitive prices. The development of the park would ensure the industry’s continued growth,” said Mah.

He was speaking to the media after the opening of the park by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Also present was Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

The park is being developed by TPM Technopark Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Johor Corp, on a 399.2 hectare land in Bakri.

It is expected to be completed in two years.

At the event, Najib also launched the Bumiputra Furniture Entrepreneur Scheme (SuperBumi).

SuperBumi is a programme to train Bumiputra furniture entrepreneurs who would eventually become vendors in the industry.

It is a collaboration between the Malaysian Timber Industry Board and the Muar Furniture Association.

Mah said the programme would create a win-win situation for all parties.

“The industry is currently dominated by Chinese companies. With this programme, we would create more Bumiputra entrepreneurs in the industry who would eventually become vendors and suppliers for the existing companies,” said Mah.

SOURCE: https://www.nst.com.my/business/2018/04/352512/muar-furniture-park-be-game-changer-local-furniture-industry