Rubber and wood-based product industries prospects and challenges

Abstract

Rubber and timber are two of Malaysia's most important primary products. In order to increase domestic value added and diversify Malaysia's narrow industrial base, the rubber and wood industries have been earmarked to assume strategic roles in her industrialization process. Analysis of the structure, conduct and performance of the two industries revealed that the other rubber products n.e.c. and the furniture industries will of the sun- rise industries in Malaysia. However, the problems faced by these industries-competition, shortage of skilled workers and technical inefficiencies as well as low technological development - must be addressed so as to enable these industries to realize their full potential.