MIFF 2018 eyes five pct increase in sales despite rise of ringgit against dollar

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 2018 is eyeing an about five per cent increase in sales this year, despite the recent rise in the ringgit against the US dollar.

The annual event recorded sales of US$940 million (US$1= RM3.93) last year.

MIFF founder and chairman, Datuk Dr Tan Chin Huat said the rise in the ringgit was unlikely to affect sales as foreign buyers had anticipated it.

“Pricing will not be a major concern for them. They are more concerned in the design and quality of products,” he said at the MIFF 2018 pre-show press conference yesterday.

Themed, “Design Connects People”, the 24th edition of MIFF will be held at the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) from March 8-11.

It will be launched by Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister, Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong.

Tan revealed that sales generated from MIFF last year accounted for 40 per cent of Malaysia’s total furniture exports, with the United States (US), Japan and Germany being the country’s top three destinations.

Meanwhile, MIFF General Manager, Karen Goi said the exhibition is expected to draw more than 600 exhibitors from 13 nations this year, a 13 per cent increase over 2017.

“Over 70 per cent will be local exhibitors and the rest industry players from countries such as the US, China, Japan, India and Indonesia.