Malaysia’s Furniture Industry

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Malaysia’s furniture industry continues to thrive as a major global exporter, with Muar, Klang, Melaka, and Penang serving as key production hubs. The industry’s strengths lie in high-quality raw materials, skilled craftsmanship and competitive pricing.

Lila Reed

March 10, 2025

5Min Reads

470

Business

Image courtesy of hinlim

A Global Export Leader

Malaysia’s furniture industry is a powerhouse in the global market, ranking among the top 10 furniture-exporting countries worldwide. With a well-established manufacturing base, high-quality raw materials, and a skilled workforce, the country exports a wide variety of furniture to major markets, including the United States, Japan, Australia, and Europe.

Key Facts About Malaysia’s Furniture Exports:

Global Rank: Among the top 10 furniture exporters
Major Export Markets: United States, Japan, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore
Export Value (2023): Over RM 12 billion (USD 2.5 billion)
Main Furniture Type: Wooden furniture, office furniture, home furniture, ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture
Courtesy of ethnic
Key Production Hubs:

The Malaysian furniture industry is concentrated in several key cities and industrial zones:

1. Muar, Johor – The “Furniture City” of Malaysia

Why It’s Important: Muar is the heart of Malaysia’s furniture production, contributing around 70% of the country’s total furniture exports.
Specialties: Home furniture, solid wood furniture, ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture.
Notable Fact: Recognized by the Malaysian government as the official “Furniture City of Malaysia”.

2. Klang, Selangor

Why It’s Important: A major industrial hub with a strong focus on export-oriented furniture.
Specialties: Office furniture, contemporary and modern furniture, bedroom sets.
Advantage: Close proximity to Port Klang, Malaysia’s largest port, making exports more efficient.

3. Bukit Rambai, Melaka

Why It’s Important: Home to many established furniture manufacturers producing high-end wood and custom-made furniture.
Specialties: Premium wooden furniture, hotel and resort furniture, bespoke furniture.

4. Butterworth, Penang

Why It’s Important: A growing hub for furniture manufacturers, particularly for overseas markets.
Specialties: Rubberwood furniture, kitchen cabinets, modular furniture.

Types of Furniture Exported from Malaysia

Malaysian furniture manufacturers offer a wide range of products tailored for both residential and commercial use. Some of the most commonly exported categories include:

1. Wooden Home Furniture

Malaysia is globally recognized for its solid wood and panel-based home furniture, often made from sustainable sources like rubberwood, acacia, meranti, and tropical hardwoods.

Main Materials: Rubberwood, Meranti, Acacia
Products: Dining tables, chairs, beds, cabinets
Major Markets: United States, Japan, Europe

Common Products:

Bedroom Sets: Beds, wardrobes, nightstands, dressing tables
Living Room Furniture: Sofas with wooden frames, coffee tables, TV consoles
Dining Room Sets: Dining tables, dining chairs, buffets, and sideboards

Styles: Contemporary, Scandinavian, Minimalist, Colonial, and Asian-inspired designs

Key Buyers:

United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan
Mid-range to premium retailers and wholesalers

2. Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Furniture

Also known as flat-pack furniture, RTA is one of Malaysia’s largest export segments, driven by its cost-effectiveness and logistical advantages.

Why It’s Popular: Affordable, easy to transport, and cost-effective for international buyers
Products: Bookshelves, TV stands, wardrobes, modular cabinets
Major Buyers: IKEA and other global retailers

Common Products:

Shelving units, bookcases, wardrobes, TV stands, modular desks
Kitchen cabinets and closet systems

Materials Used: Engineered wood, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), particleboard laminated with melamine or veneer finishes

Benefits:

Easy to ship and assemble
Attractive to global retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and Target

Key Buyers: Mass-market distributors in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia

3. Office & Commercial Furniture

Malaysian manufacturers are also strong in producing furniture for business and institutional settings.

Products: Office chairs, desks, filing cabinets, conference tables
Major Markets: Singapore, Australia, Middle East

Common Products:

Office desks, workstations, cubicle systems
Ergonomic office chairs, filing cabinets, meeting tables

Materials Used: Combination of steel frames, laminate wood, mesh, leather/fabric upholstery

Special Features: Modular systems, cable management, ergonomic design

Key Markets:

Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Australia, India
Government agencies, schools, and corporations

4. Outdoor & Garden Furniture

This segment continues to grow, particularly with the rising popularity of home improvement and outdoor living.

Materials Used: Teakwood, Acacia, Synthetic Rattan
Products: Patio sets, lounge chairs, dining sets
Major Buyers: Europe, United States, Middle East

Common Products:

Patio dining sets, lounge chairs, garden benches, swings, umbrellas
Poolside furniture, rattan or synthetic wicker lounge sets

Materials Used: Teakwood, acacia, bamboo, synthetic rattan (PE rattan), aluminum frames with UV-resistant coating

Features: Weatherproof, durable, stylish yet functional

Export Destinations:

Europe, Middle East, United States – especially high-end resorts and villa markets

5. Hotel, Hospitality & Commercial Furniture

Malaysia is a key supplier for hospitality projects, offering both mass-produced and custom furniture solutions.

Products: Hotel room furniture, restaurant furniture, lounge seating
Major Buyers: Luxury hotel chains in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East

Common Products:

Hotel bedroom furniture, reception desks, banquette seating, restaurant tables and chairs
Lobby sofas, coffee tables, vanity units, bar stools

Materials & Finishing: Premium hardwood, fire-retardant fabrics, high-gloss laminates, brass and metal accents

Client Base: Global hotel chains, interior design firms, real estate developers

Export Markets: UAE, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand, Europe

Why Malaysian Furniture is in High Demand?

1. High-Quality Raw Materials

Malaysia’s rubberwood furniture is one of the country’s strongest selling points. Rubberwood is known for its durability, eco-friendliness, and affordability, making it highly desirable in markets like the US and Europe.

2. Competitive Pricing & Skilled Labor

While China and Vietnam dominate the low-cost segment, Malaysian manufacturers focus on producing high-quality, mid-range to premium furniture at competitive prices. The country also benefits from a skilled workforce with expertise in woodworking, design, and craftsmanship.

3. Sustainability & Certification Compliance

Malaysia places a strong emphasis on sustainable sourcing. The Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) ensures that wood used in furniture is legally harvested and environmentally sustainable. This certification gives Malaysian furniture a competitive edge in eco-conscious markets like Europe.

4. Strategic Location & Efficient Export Logistics

Malaysia’s proximity to major shipping routes and its well-developed ports (e.g., Port Klang, Port of Tanjung Pelepas) allow for efficient and cost-effective exports to global markets.