
Here in Malaysia, we are fortunate to have so many choices of timber to choose from. So much so, it can be confusing to differentiate one type of wood from the next. Fortunately, there are resources online where we can look for information. All thanks to Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor that has brought the country many benefits among which include isolating all IT geeks in a far flung place called Cyberjaya and bringing broadband to Malaysians in the form of Scream-max (which is what one does when their broadband internet connection goes down).
Oh where were we?
Ah! Wood.
Here is a summary of this post contents:
- Table showing timber strength, applications and moisture content
- Timber Verification Services
- Description of Commercial Malaysian Timber
- Showcase of Malaysian Hardwood Flooring
Interested? Well, what are you waiting for? Click Read More!
Below is a table showing timber strength, applications and moisture content.
Strength Group of Timber:
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SG 1
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SG 2
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SG 3
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SG 4
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SG 5
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SG 6
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SG 7
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A) Naturally Durable
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Balau
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Belian
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Bekak
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Giam
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Tembusu
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Bitis
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Mata Ulat
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Delek
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Malabera
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Chengal
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Kekatong
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Keranji
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Merbau
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Penaga
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Resak
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B) Requiring Treatment
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Dedaru
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Balau, red
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Berangan
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Alan Bunga
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Bayur
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Ara
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Kempas
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Kelat/p>
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Dedali
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Babai
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Damar Minyak
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Batai
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Merbatu
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Kembang Semangkok
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Derum
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Balek Angin openg
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Durian
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Geronggang
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Mertas
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Kulim
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Kapur
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Bintangor
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Jelutong
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>Laran
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Pauh Kijang
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Kasai
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Brazil nut
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Jongkong
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Pelajau
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Penyau
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Keruntum
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Gerutu
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Kasah
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Pulai
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Perah
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Mempening
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Kedondong
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Machang
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Sesendok
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Petaling
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Meransi
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Keledang
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Medang
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Terentang
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Ranggu
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Meranti Bakau
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Keruing
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Melantai/Kawang
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Ru
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Merawan
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Ketapang
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Meranti, Light Red
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Surian Batu
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Merpauh
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Kungkur
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Meranti, Yellow
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Tualang
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Nyalin
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Rubberwood
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Mersawa
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Perupok
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Melunak
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Sengkurat
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Punah
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Mempisang
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Terap
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Rengas
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Mengkulang
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Simpoh
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Meranti, Dark Red
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Meranti, White
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Nyatoh
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Penarahan
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Petai
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Ramin
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Sengkuang
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Sepetir
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Tetebu
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Strength Groups of Timber and Their Applications
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Applications
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Strength Group
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Structural Components
• columns, beams, bearer, studs, joists, ties and struts
• form work
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SG 1, SG 2, SG 3 AND SG 4
SG 1, SG 2, SG 3, SG 4 AND SG 5
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Roofing
• rafters, ties, struts, purlins and bracing
• battens
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SG 1, SG 2, SG 3 AND SG 4
SG 1, SG 2, SG 3, SG 4 AND SG 5
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Staircase
• stringers, treads, trimmer beam and handrail
• balustrades
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SG 1, SG 2, SG 3 AND SG 4
SG 1, SG 2, SG 3, SG 4, SG 5 AND SG 6
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Flooring
• floor boarding and parquetry
• skirtings
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SG 1, SG 2, SG 3, SG 4 AND SG 5
SG 1, SG 2, SG 3, SG 4, SG 5 AND SG 6
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Walling
• wall, partition framing and external wall boardings
• internal wall boardings, slates screens
• fascia boards
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SG 1, SG 2, SG 3, SG 4, SG 5 AND SG 6
SG 1, SG 2, SG 3, SG 4, SG 5, SG 6 AND SG 7
SG 1, SG 2, SG 3 AND SG 4
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Ceiling Frames
• cover battens to joints of ceiling sheets
• ceiling strips and soffit battens
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SG 1, SG 2, SG 3 AND SG 4
SG 1, SG 2, SG 3, SG 4, SG 5 AND SG 6
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Door & Window Frames
• door, window and vent frames including their stops and grounds
• door leaves, window and vent sashes
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SG 1, SG 2, SG 3 AND SG 4
SG 1, SG 2, SG 3, SG 4 , SG 5 AND SG 6
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Furniture
• built-in fittings, furniture generally and workshop furniture
• science laboratory tops
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SG 1, SG 2, SG 3, SG 4, SG 5 AND SG 6
SG 1, SG 2, SG 3 AND SG 4
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Beading fillets and edgings generally
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SG 1, SG 2, SG 3, SG 4, SG 5 AND SG 6
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Source: Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB)

Want to verify whether the timber or timber products you have purchased conform to the required specifications and quality? Then you might be interested in the Timber Verification Services (TVS) provided by the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB).
TVS ensures that:
- The CORRECT TIMBER SPECIES is used
- Timber has been PROPERLY GRADED
- Timber has been DRIED TO THE RIGHT MOINSTURE CONTENT
- Timber has been PROPERLY TREATED.
The good thing is that everyone can benefit from this service whether one is a house developer/builder, contractor, engineer, architect, interior decorator or end-user of timber and timber products.
Types of Services:
- Timber Grading - RM50/m3
- Identification of timber species - RM40/piece
- Determination of moisture content - RM50/piece
- Determination of preservative retention
- Qualitative Test - RM50/piece
- Quantitative Test - RM260/piece
- Other services - RM30/hour
For more information, check out the Timber Verification Services (TVS) website.

Lastly, here are two brochures:
Commercial Malaysian Timber (PDF) Extract: With over 58 per cent of its land area under natural forest, Malaysia is home to over 2,650 species, many of which are of commercial importance. Malaysia's location in the tropics means that its trees have 365 growing days in a year. This allows the trees ample time to grow and develop without seasonal interruptions.
Malaysian Hardwood Flooring (PDF) Extract: Hardwood doesn’t just make for elegant flooring. It’s a tough and long-lasting performer whose beauty is timeless. Malaysian hardwood is known for unique qualities that enhance the aesthetics of any room with its warmth and cosiness. It is the number one choice for interior designers and specifiers, not only from Malaysia, but also from other countries.
Hardwood flooring is easy to install and maintain. Its excellent thermal insulating property makes it an ideal material for flooring. Wood is hypoallergenic, contributing to a healthier living environment.
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