Sirim partners MTIB to support industry 4.0 adoption in timber sector

KUALA LUMPUR: SIRIM Bhd (Sirim) and Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the local timber industry in achieving global competitiveness and production efficiency.

The MoU emphasised on cooperation between both parties particularly in technology areas such as industry 4.0, fabrication of machinery and equipment, and renewable energy and environment.

Sirim president and group chief executive Datuk Ir Dr Ahmad Fadzil Mohamad Hani said the MoU would enable SIRIM, through MTIB to work with associations in providing consultancy and technical assistance to assist the local local timber industry.

The endeavour endeavour recommending proposals and intervention plans for nurturing the upstream, middle and downstream industry, and the application of SIRIM’s technology, innovative solutions or adoption of other technology to a specific target group.

“The outcome of the project would result in a net saving of up to 60 per cent of the overall energy cost for drying operation, estimated at RM230,000 per annum,” he said in a statement.

Sirim will also introduce three technology intervention to improve energy efficiency, reduce electricity bill and boiler fuels through ‘Hybrid Green Energy Kiln Drying of Malaysian Timbers for Sustainable Future’ initiative, undertaken with the Association of Malaysia Bumiputera Timber and Furniture Entrepreneurs.

MTIB director general Mohd Kheiruddin Mohd Rani said the timber industry sector currently faces challenges which include the COVID-19 pandemic, inadequate supply of raw materials, uncertainty of global economic scenario, competitions, as well as heavy reliance on foreign workers and low productivity.

“Furthermore, lack of investment in innovation, automation, mechanisation, Research, Development and Commercialisation has restricted the potential growth of timber industry,” he added. — Bernama