2026 MFC MASTER LUBAN DINNER STRENGTHENS INDUSTRY UNITY

Furniture Industry Calls for Stronger Policy Support as New MFC Governing Committees Officially Sworn In

 Muar, JOHOR | 6 July 2026 ~ Against the backdrop of increasing global economic uncertainty and rising business costs, the Malaysian furniture industry has renewed its call for stronger government support and more industry-friendly policies to to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of one of Malaysia’s key export industries.

These messages took centre stage during the 2nd Malaysian Furniture Council (MFC) Master Luban Dinner, jointly organised by the Malaysian Furniture Council (MFC), the Federation of Johor Furniture Manufacturers and Traders Association (JFA) and the Muar Furniture Association (MFA) on 4 July 2026 at Sin Kee Ting Restaurant, Muar.

The event also commemorated the 43rd Anniversary of the Muar Furniture Association, bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs and representatives from furniture associations across Malaysia to celebrate the spirit of craftsmanship, unity and collaboration within the furniture industry.

The dinner was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin, together with MFC President Desmond Tan Boon Hai, JFA cum MFA President Steve Ong Yeou Huan, and the Organising Chairman Vicent Ang alongside senior representatives from MITI, MATRADE, MTIB, MTC, MIDA and other industry stakeholders.

Industry Urges Greater Policy Support

In his keynote address, MFC President Desmond Tan Boon Hai said the Malaysian furniture industry is facing one of its most challenging periods, as geopolitical tensions, slowing global demand, uncertainties over United States tariff policies and rising domestic operating costs continue to impact business confidence.

While reaffirming MFC's support for the Government's economic agenda, he urged policymakers to carefully assess the impact of new measures on industry competitiveness.

Desmond also stressed that a stable and consistent foreign labour policy remains critical to the industry's long-term growth, calling for a review of the proposed 4:1 local-to-foreign worker ratio, which he said is not practical for the furniture sector.

As one of the 21 priority sectors under the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, he added that the Government should continue introducing supportive policies to strengthen the industry’s competitiveness and reinforce furniture’s position as one of Malaysia’s important export industries.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Industry Development

Responding to the industry’s concerns, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin reaffirmed the Government’s continued commitment to supporting the growth and development of Malaysia’s furniture industry.

He announced that the Government has, in principle, approved several strategic measures, including inviting Malaysian furniture companies to participate in the MADANI Digital Trade Platform to facilitate international market expansion; establishing a Furniture Industry Hub within the Muar Furniture Industrial Park; and forming a special task force to address unfair competition from imported products and illegal business activities, thereby creating a more level playing field for legitimate local businesses.

New Governing Committee Commences 2026/2029 Term

The evening also witnessed the official swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Governing Committees of MFC, JFA and MFA.

For MFC, the ceremony marked the formal commencement of its 2026/2029 Governing Committee, following the Council's Annual General Meeting held on 5 June 2026.

The new Council will continue to be led by Desmond Tan Boon Hai, who has successfully retained his position as President, with Matthew Law Kian Siong re-elected as Deputy President and Goh Song Huang re-elected as Secretary-General. Witnessed by Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin, the newly elected Council pledged its commitment to safeguarding members’ interests, enhancing industry competitiveness, and driving the sustainable development of Malaysia’s furniture industry over the next three years.

The successful organisation of the 2nd MFC Master Luban Dinner once again demonstrated the strong unity and close collaboration among Malaysia's furniture associations. MFC remains committed to working closely with the Government and industry stakeholders to drive the continued growth of Malaysia’s furniture industry and further strengthen Malaysia’s position as one of the world’s leading furniture exporting countries.