KUALA LUMPUR — As cities grow and industries expand, Malaysia remains one of the few nations that continues to uphold a strong balance between progress and preservation. Today, 54 per cent of its total landmass remains covered by forests — a figure that speaks volumes about its dedication to sustainability.
Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, while officiating the Malaysian Wood Expo (MWE) 2025, described the achievement as a reflection of Malaysia’s “unwavering responsibility toward nature and future generations.”
“Forests are not merely economic assets — they are a living legacy,” he said. “Maintaining more than half of our land as forests is proof that Malaysia takes its global environmental commitments seriously.”
This milestone, Johari explained, was achieved through decades of responsible forestry policies, including the implementation of the Industrial Tree Plantation Programme (ITP) and widespread adoption of certified forest management practices.
To date, 5.85 million hectares of Malaysian forest are certified under the MTCS, making the country one of the world’s top ten for PEFC-certified forest areas.
Johari also reminded the public that Malaysia’s forestry success depends on the combined efforts of policymakers, local communities, and industry leaders.
“Sustainability must be seen as both a moral and economic duty,” he said, adding that creativity, skill, and eco-consciousness form the pillars of Malaysia’s timber export success story.