The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) has received significant recognition for its transformative efforts in revolutionising the timber industry, as the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) officially endorses MTC’s Factory Transformation Programme (FTP) as a key flagship initiative for the industry. This endorsement highlights the programme’s success in driving automation, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainable practices in the Malaysian timber sector.

Launched in 2021, the FTP was designed to propel wood-based companies towards achieving Industry 4.0 (IR4.0) by promoting automation and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The programme has achieved substantial milestones since its inception, with 58 companies participating and more than 90% benefiting from its implementation.

In 2023 alone, the FTP helped participating factories reduce waste valued at RM3.2 million through the implementation of quality control systems which significantly reduced the need for product rework.

The success of FTP was further underscored during a visit today by the Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, to two companies – Kim Teck Lee Timber Flooring Sdn Bhd and Weng Meng Industries Sdn Bhd, both located in Banting, Selangor.
 
During the visit, Datuk Seri Johari witnessed first-hand the positive impact of the FTP on both the workflow efficiencies and the overall productivity of the factories.
 
Kim Teck Lee Timber Flooring and Weng Meng Industries were part of the FTP in 2021 and 2023, respectively.
 
Also accompanying the Minister during the visit were MTC Chairman Tuan Haji Zainal Abidin Abdullah and MTC CEO Madam Noraihan Abdul Rahman, who both expressed their appreciation for the Ministry’s recognition of the programme’s success.

MTC’s Chairman said the FTP aims to foster holistic transformation across all levels of the participating factories. He added that the programme focused on equipping employees with the necessary training and support to improve operations and drive productivity.
 
“With the support of strategic partners like ICA40 Sdn Bhd, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Institute (FMM), and the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC), we have been able to provide high-quality training that drives operational improvements and boost productivity across the timber industry,” said Tuan Haji Zainal.

He further pointed out that the FTP not only leads to substantial cost savings but also strengthens the global competitiveness of Malaysia’s timber industry players.

The FTP consists of four key modules: Green 5S, Lean Management, Innovation Management, and Quick Response Quality Control. Each module is designed to improve different facets of a company’s operations, from waste management to enhancing innovation and quality control systems. The programme’s duration ranges from two to six months, with a post-programme audit assessment conducted by SIRIM Bhd to evaluate the effectiveness of the training and the improvements made.
 
MTC’s CEO highlighted some of the notable outcomes from the programme, including companies reducing factory space by up to 25%, with the freed-up space being leased to other businesses, further boosting their economic activity.
 
“The FTP not only optimises space and reduces costs but also paves the way for integrating cutting-edge technologies such as automation, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) into the manufacturing processes of participating companies,” said Madam Noraihan.

With the Ministry’s formal endorsement, the Factory Transformation Programme is set to continue its pivotal role in shaping the future of the timber industry, ensuring that Malaysia remains competitive on the global stage while driving sustainable growth and technological advancement in the sector.

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