Industry players need to seek alternate raw material sources. THE issue of raw material shortage is a major trouble facing the timber industry, but industry players are working hand-in-hand with the government to address the situation - a vital step forward, as plywood products were the second largest contributor (RM3.4bil) to Malaysia’s RM22.5bil wood-based products export in 2019. Describing the acute shortage of raw materials in Peninsular Malaysia, as well as lower rubberwood supply due to increased latex production, the Malaysian Panel-Products Manufacturers’ Association (MPMA) chairman Datuk Wira Sheikh Othman Rahman said that plywood and panel manufacturers are facing stiff competition from sawmillers in securing a sufficient supply.