Timber & Boards

Marine plywood (BS 1088) is a structural wood panel used where permanent or intermittent moisture exposure demands gap-free, void-free construction in Malaysia. Manufactured to BS 1088:2003, each sheet uses tropical hardwood veneers — typically meranti — bonded with WBP (Weather and Boil Proof) phenolic resin that resists boiling-water delamination. Outer veneers meet Class 3 bonding quality to BS EN 314-2; core gaps and through-knots are not permitted. Standard sheet size 2440 × 1220 mm (8′ × 4′), thickness range 4 mm–25 mm. Used in boat building, concrete formwork, wet-area sub-floors, and any structural application where ordinary MR-grade plywood is insufficient. Also known as papan lapis marin. HS 4412310000 · import duty 35% · SST 5%.

Commercial MR plywood (BB/CC grade) is a Malaysian tropical hardwood plywood bonded with moisture-resistant urea-formaldehyde resin, used for interior joinery, furniture, cabinetry, wall panelling, and site hoarding across Malaysia. Manufactured to IHPA Type II (D) with face grade BB/CC and formaldehyde emission class E1 (≤9 mg/100 g). Standard sheet size is 2440 × 1220 mm (8′ × 4′); thickness range 2.7 mm to 25 mm, sold per sheet or m². Also available in 1830 × 915 mm (6′ × 3′) cuts for partitions and fit-out work. Not suitable for exterior or permanently wet conditions — use WBP-grade for those. HS 4412310000 · import duty 35% · SST 5%.

WBP structural plywood is a Malaysian tropical hardwood plywood bonded with weatherproof phenolic resin (Weather and Boil Proof), rated for permanently wet and exterior conditions in Malaysian construction. Conforms to EN 636 (plywood for use in construction) with Bond Quality Class 3 per BS EN 314-2. Face grade BB/CC. Standard sheet 2440 × 1220 mm (8′ × 4′); thickness 2.7 mm to 25 mm. Used for roof decking, structural wall sheathing, concrete formwork backing, and any application where MR-grade plywood is insufficient due to moisture exposure. Also known locally as papan lapis WBP or papan lapis struktur. HS 4412310000 · import duty 35% · SST 5%.

Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is an engineered wood panel made from compressed cross-oriented wood strands bonded with resin under heat and pressure, providing bi-directional structural strength. OSB/3 is the moisture-resistant structural grade to EN 300, widely specified in Malaysia for roof sarking, wall sheathing, hoarding boards, and sub-flooring. Standard sheet 1220 × 2440 mm (4 × 8); thicknesses 9–18 mm. Also known locally as papan stran berorientasi. Generally lower cost than structural plywood for sheathing applications where flat panel performance is required. HS 4410120000 · import duty 20% · SST 10%.

PVC and polyester laminated plywood combines a standard plywood core (typically 3–3.6 mm) with a factory-bonded decorative or plain-coloured PVC film or polyester sheet face. The coating provides a wipe-clean, moisture-resistant surface. Standard sheet 4 × 8 feet (1220 × 2440 mm); face colours typically white or light tones. Used in Malaysia for kitchen cabinet back panels, retail shopfitting, wet-area wall linings, and refrigerated cabinet interiors. Base plywood is tropical hardwood (HS 4412.31) — the surface coating does not change the HS classification. HS 4412310000 · import duty 35% · SST 5%.

Bamboo plywood is manufactured from cross-laminated processed bamboo strips pressed into flat panels under heat and pressure. Greater hardness and density than most wood-based plywoods; dimensionally stable and environmentally renewable — bamboo is a fast-growing grass that regenerates without replanting. Standard sheet 1220 × 2440 mm (4 × 8); thicknesses 6–18 mm; interior or exterior glue lines available. Used in Malaysia as a substitute for wood plywood in concrete formwork, furniture manufacturing, interior wall panelling, and flooring. HS 4412100000 · import duty 35% · SST 5%.

Film-faced formwork plywood (18 mm) is a WBP hardwood plywood panel with smooth phenolic resin film laminated to both faces, for concrete formwork and shuttering on Malaysian construction sites. The HDO film (≥120 g/m²) provides a waterproof release surface rated for 6–15+ re-uses per panel. Standard sheet 2440 × 1220 mm (8 × 4), 11-ply at 18 mm — the dominant Malaysian site standard for slab, beam, and wall formwork. Also available at 12 mm, 15 mm, and 21 mm. Locally known as papan acuan berfilem or papan bekisting. HS 4412310000 · import duty 35% · SST 5%.

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) Standard E1 is an engineered wood panel made from wood fibres bonded with resin under heat and pressure, manufactured for dry interior conditions in Malaysian construction and furniture applications. Density 600–800 kg/m³ to EN 622-5 (type MDF). Formaldehyde emission class E1 (≤9 mg/100 g per EN 120). Standard sheet 2440 × 1220 mm (8′ × 4′); thicknesses 3 mm to 25 mm — HS 4411140000 applies to thickness exceeding 9 mm (the dominant commercial range). Uniform density and smooth surface suit furniture carcasses, cabinetry, shelving, moulding, and interior joinery. Not suitable for wet or high-humidity areas without MR-grade upgrade. HS 4411140000 · import duty 20% · SST 10%.

Moisture-Resistant MDF (MR MDF / Green MDF) is manufactured to EN 622-5 type MDF.H for use in humid conditions in Malaysia. Colour-coded green or blue core for easy site identification. Density 680–800 kg/m³; thickness swell ≤12% at 24-hour immersion, versus ≤35% for standard MDF. Standard sheet 2440 × 1220 mm (8′ × 4′); thicknesses 9–18 mm. Specified for kitchen cabinet carcasses, bathroom furniture, shopfronts with humidity exposure, and wall panelling in air-conditioned spaces with condensation risk. Not waterproof and not rated for direct water immersion or exterior use. HS 4411140000 · import duty 20% · SST 10%.

Particle board (chipboard) is a low-cost engineered wood panel manufactured from wood chips, sawmill shavings, and residuals bonded with urea-formaldehyde resin under heat and pressure. Conforms to EN 312: P2 for interior furniture use, or P5 for load-bearing humid conditions. Density 500–800 kg/m³. Formaldehyde emission class E2 is widely available in Malaysia; E1 is the premium grade for export or upgraded interior use. Standard sheet 2440 × 1220 mm (8 × 4); thicknesses 9–25 mm. Used for furniture carcasses, shelving, cabinet frames, and flooring underlayment. Lower strength and moisture resistance than MDF or plywood. HS 4410110000 · import duty 20% · SST 10%.

Hardboard (High-Density Fibreboard) 2.5 mm is a thin, dense panel pressed from wood fibres under high heat and pressure without added adhesive, achieving density exceeding 0.8 g/cm³ per HS 4411.92. One face smooth; the reverse rough-textured. Standard sheet 1220 × 2440 mm (4 × 8); standard thickness 2.5 mm. Widely stocked at Malaysian hardware and timber traders. Used for cabinet backs, drawer bottoms, wall linings, hoarding, and packing. The smooth face accepts paint or laminate finishes. Tempered grade available for improved moisture resistance. HS 4411920000 · import duty 20% · SST 10%.

HDF laminate flooring (AC3 / AC4) consists of a high-density fibreboard core topped with a photographic wood-grain or stone décor layer protected by a melamine wear surface. Installs as a click-lock floating floor on foam underlay with no glue or nails. Planks typically 7–12 mm thick × ~190 mm wide × ~1200 mm long; each box covers approximately 1.6–2.5 m². Abrasion class AC3 (heavy residential) to AC4 (light commercial). Popular in Malaysian residential and commercial renovation for its low cost, wide design choice, and DIY-friendly installation. Not suitable for wet rooms or direct outdoor use. HS 4411140000 · import duty 20% · SST 10%.

Meranti sawn timber (Shorea spp.) is the most widely used structural hardwood in Malaysian construction, covering roof trusses, rafters, purlins, door and window frames, general carpentry, and site hoarding. Graded to MTIB Malaysian Grading Rules (MGR 2009) at Select and Better, No.1 Common, or No.2 Common. Structural design follows MS 544-2:2017. Standard commercial lengths 3.0–6.0 m; common sections 50×100 mm, 50×150 mm, 100×100 mm. Sold in bundles by m³ or per piece. Species: Dark Red Meranti, Light Red Meranti, Meranti Bakau. Natural durability Class 3–4 (heartwood); preservative treatment required for external or ground-contact use. Also known as kayu meranti. HS 4407251200 · import duty 0% · SST 5%.

CCA pressure-treated timber is Malaysian hardwood vacuum-pressure impregnated with copper-chromium-arsenate salts for long-term resistance to fungal decay and insect attack including termites. Treatment levels follow MS 544: Part 10:2003 hazard class designations: H3 (above-ground exterior exposure — external cladding, pergolas, decking battens) and H4 (ground contact or fresh water — fence posts, landscaping structures). Distinctive green colour from CCA salts confirms treatment. CCA retention targets: H3 ≥4 kg/m³; H4 ≥6.4 kg/m³ (verify against MS 544 Part 10 for species-specific values). Standard lengths 3.0–6.0 m. Not for interior or food-contact applications. HS 4407251900 · import duty 0% · SST 5%.

Sawn softwood timber (Pine / SPF) is imported coniferous lumber — Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF) from North America or European radiata/Scots pine — used in Malaysia for light-frame carpentry, internal partitioning, furniture framing, and roof structures. Graded No. 2 and Better or Construction grade to NLGA rules for North American supply. Kiln-dried to ≤19% moisture content for dimensional stability. Common sections: 38×89 mm (2×4), 38×140 mm (2×6), 50×100 mm; standard lengths 2.4 m, 3.0 m, 4.8 m, 6.0 m. Lighter and easier to work than meranti. Must be treated or kept dry for external or damp applications. HS 4407130000 · import duty 0% · SST 5%.

Rubberwood finger-jointed laminated board (Hevea board) consists of Hevea brasiliensis offcuts joined end-to-end with interlocking finger joints, then edge-glued into full-size solid panels. Plantation-grown rubberwood is a sustainable by-product of Malaysia's latex industry. Typical panel: 20 mm thick × 1220 × 2440 mm; Grade AB or CC; moisture content ≤12% for interior use. The uniform light-cream colour and consistent grain make it a preferred material for furniture manufacturing, shelving, table tops, and kitchen cabinet carcasses across Malaysian workshops. Lighter and more workable than tropical hardwoods. HS 4407299700 · import duty 0% · SST 5%.

Mixed hardwood construction timber covers sawn sections of various Malaysian hardwood species sold together under a general construction grade. Rough-sawn or lightly dressed; no single species guarantee. Common sections: 1x2, 2x2, 2x3, 2x4, 2x5 inches; standard lengths 8, 10, 12 feet; sold per piece or in bundles of 100–450 pieces. Used for formwork supports, temporary bracing, packing blocks, and general site carpentry across Malaysian construction sites. More economical than named-species timber for non-structural or temporary applications. Also traded as kayu campuran or mixwood. HS 4407299900 · import duty 0% · SST 5%.

Meranti planed timber (DAR / S4S) is Red or Dark Red Meranti (Shorea spp.) machine-planed on all four faces to produce a smooth, dimensionally stable cross-section. The standard choice for door and window frames, skirting board backing, furniture rails, and light structural joinery across Malaysian construction and fit-out projects. Graded to Grade A finish. Common sections: 1x2, 1x8, 1x9, 2x2, 2x3 inches; lengths 8 to 20 feet. Sold per piece or linear metre. Directly accepts paint, stain, or varnish without further preparation. Also known as kayu meranti serut or seraya planed. HS 4407251300 · import duty 0% · SST 5%.

Balau (Yellow Balau, Shorea spp.) is a premium Malaysian heavy hardwood prized for its natural durability and resistance to weathering and insects without chemical treatment. Extensively used for outdoor timber decking, garden furniture, jetty flooring, and heavy structural posts. Supplied planed (E4E or S4S) in Grade A finish. Sections 1x2 to 3x5 inches; standard lengths 3 to 12 feet. Naturally durable without preservative treatment for above-ground exterior use — a key advantage in Malaysia's tropical climate. Also known as kayu balau. HS 4407299900 · import duty 0% · SST 5%.

Chengal (Neobalanocarpus heimii) is one of Malaysia's most prized hardwoods, valued for exceptional natural durability that enables outdoor use without chemical treatment. Classified as the most durable Malaysian commercial timber for outdoor and marine applications. Used for marine structures, jetties, outdoor decking, bridges, and heritage building restoration. Grade A planed (S4S or E4E). High natural oil content provides excellent resistance to decay, marine borers, and weathering. Supply is increasingly restricted due to the species' slow growth and controlled harvesting. HS 4407299900 · import duty 0% · SST 5%.

Resak (Cotylelobium spp. / Vatica spp.) is a moderately heavy Malaysian hardwood from the Dipterocarpaceae family used for door and window frames, exhaust vent frames, posts, and general construction carpentry. Planed (S4S) to construction grade or better. Sections 1x2 to 4x4 inches; lengths 2 to 14 feet. Offers a balance of workability and durability at a lower price point than premium species such as Chengal or Balau. Widely available from Peninsular Malaysia timber merchants. Also known as kayu resak. HS 4407299900 · import duty 0% · SST 5%.

Belian ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri) from Borneo is one of the world's densest and most naturally durable commercial timbers, with exceptional resistance to termites, marine borers, and decay even under direct soil contact or in water. Used in Malaysia for traditional house posts, jetty piles, boardwalks, and high-durability outdoor structures where long service life is critical. Planed (E4E) Grade A. Common sections: 19 mm × 90 mm (1x4 in) and larger; cut lengths from 600 mm to 12 feet. Also known as kayu belian, kayu besi Sarawak. HS 4407299900 · import duty 0% · SST 5%.

Merbau (Intsia spp. / Jongkong, Dactylocladus spp.) is a valued Southeast Asian hardwood widely traded in Malaysia, known for its rich reddish-brown to dark brown colour, high natural durability, and interlocked grain that resists splitting. Used for solid timber flooring, outdoor decking, structural framing, and heavy joinery. Various cross-sections available from 1-inch stock to large structural beams; standard lengths to 14 feet. The naturally oily surface requires special adhesives and pre-treatment before applying paint or varnish. Jongkong is sold alongside Merbau under the same HS sub-heading. HS 4407299200 · import duty 0% · SST 5%.

Kelat (Eugenia / Syzygium spp.) is a medium-weight Malaysian hardwood from the Myrtaceae family, commonly used for floor joists, roof trusses, secondary structural framing, and general construction carpentry throughout Peninsular Malaysia. Sawn to construction grade. Common sections 2x6 inches; standard lengths 8 to 16 feet; sold per piece. Offers a practical balance of workability and moderate natural durability at a lower price point than premium species such as Chengal or Balau. Readily available from timber merchants across Peninsular Malaysia. Also known as kayu kelat. HS 4407299900 · import duty 0% · SST 5%.

Timber beading and moulding covers a range of small-section dressed timber profiles used for finishing work in Malaysian construction and interior fit-outs: ceiling cover strips, door and window architraves, wall panel borders, wainscoting inserts, and decorative trim profiles. Typically manufactured from Meranti or Pine, planed and profiled to finished dimensions. Standard rectangular beading profile is 6 mm × 26 mm; decorative moulding profiles vary by pattern. Lengths 8 to 12 feet. Sold per linear metre or per piece. Available from most timber merchants and hardware stores in Malaysia.

Wood-plastic composite (WPC) boards are extruded or compression-moulded profiles blending wood fibre (typically 50–70%) with thermoplastic resin (HDPE or PVC), UV-stabilised for outdoor use in Malaysia’s tropical climate. Common profiles include decking boards, wall cladding planks, privacy screening, and skirting. Profile widths 100–150 mm; standard lengths 2400–3600 mm; sold per linear metre. WPC offers the natural appearance of timber with resistance to moisture, insects, and UV degradation, and requires no painting or sealing — eliminating the maintenance burden common with solid wood in outdoor Malaysian applications.

Finger-jointed Meranti timber is manufactured by bonding short Meranti (Shorea spp.) offcuts end-to-end with interlocking finger-joint profiles, then planing all four faces (S4S). The process reduces timber waste and produces long, consistent lengths at lower cost than solid sawn stock. Planed S4S finish. Common sections 1x2 and 19 mm × 42 mm; standard lengths 2400–3000 mm. A common choice for interior door liners, window stops, light framing, and moulding sections that are subsequently painted or primed. HS 4407251300 · import duty 0% · SST 5%.

Solid hardwood timber flooring consists of individual solid wood planks milled with tongue-and-groove profiles for direct nail or glue installation over a sub-floor or concrete screed. Malaysian market commonly offers Merbau, Chengal, Balau, and imported Pine. Planks typically 10–18 mm thick × 45–140 mm wide × 900–2400 mm long. Sanded ready for in-situ finishing or pre-finished with UV lacquer. Each plank displays natural grain and character unique to the species; the floor can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its service life. HS 4418739000 · import duty 20% · SST 5%.

Hardwood outdoor decking boards are profiled timber planks designed for exposed garden, poolside, balcony, and walkway surfaces in Malaysian construction. High-durability species — Balau, Chengal, Merbau, and Resak — are the standard choices, providing natural resistance to weathering and biological degradation in tropical conditions without chemical impregnation. Profiles typically 19–25 mm thick × 90–150 mm wide; standard lengths 1800–3660 mm; anti-slip grooves machined on the face. Sold per linear metre. Structural deck framing and joist components are sold separately. HS 4418790000 · import duty 20% · SST 5%.

Meranti tongue-and-groove (T&G) panelling boards are planed hardwood planks that interlock along their long edges for wall or ceiling lining in Malaysian residential and commercial interiors. Species: Meranti (Shorea spp.) planed S4S with T&G profiled long edges. Typically 12 mm thick × 93 mm wide; lengths 2400–3000 mm. The interlocking profile creates a seamless continuous surface with a natural timber grain finish. Widely used for feature walls, hospitality fit-outs, timber ceiling linings, and decorative wall applications. Sold per linear metre. HS 4407251300 · import duty 0% · SST 5%.

Standard gypsum plasterboard (9.5 mm) is a paper-faced gypsum core board used for interior partition walls and false ceiling systems throughout Malaysia. Type A (standard wallboard) per BS EN 520:2004+A1:2009. Sheet size 1200 × 2400 mm (4′ × 8′); thickness 9.5 mm (commonly called 9 mm in Malaysian trade). Density approximately 700–900 kg/m³. Tapered edges for joint finishing with compound and tape. Installed on light-gauge steel stud or timber frames, then skim-coated and painted. This is the standard thickness for non-fire-rated single-layer partition and ceiling applications. Active brands in Malaysia include Gyproc (Saint-Gobain), USG Boral, and AGP. HS 6809110000 · import duty 30% · SST 10%.

Gypsum plasterboard 12 mm is the most widely specified thickness for commercial partitions, office fit-outs, and hotel and residential interior walls in Malaysia. Type A (standard wallboard) per BS EN 520:2004+A1:2009. Sheet size 1200 × 2400 mm (4′ × 8′); thickness 12 mm (sometimes 12.5 mm by manufacturer). Heavier and more rigid than 9.5 mm, providing improved acoustic and impact performance in GI stud partition systems. Finished with jointing compound, tape, and skim coat for painting. Can achieve fire resistance when used in approved double-layer assemblies. HS 6809110000 · import duty 30% · SST 10%.

Moisture-resistant gypsum board (MR / Type H1) is formulated with hydrophobic additives in the gypsum core and moisture-resistant paper facing, colour-coded green for site identification. Classified Type H1 per BS EN 520:2004+A1:2009; core water absorption ≤5% after 2-hour immersion. Sheet size 1200 × 2400 mm (4 × 8); available at 9.5 mm and 12 mm thickness. Specified for kitchens, bathrooms, wet rooms, laundries, and other high-humidity interior spaces as a tile backer or painted finish where standard plasterboard would deteriorate. Not a substitute for fibre cement board where direct water contact occurs. HS 6809110000 · import duty 30% · SST 10%.

Fire-resistant gypsum board (Type F) 15 mm has a specially formulated core with glass fibre reinforcement and vermiculite or perlite additives that slow calcination under fire conditions. Classified Type F per BS EN 520:2004+A1:2009. Standard sheet 1200 × 2400 mm (4 × 8); dominant thickness 15 mm (18 mm available). Full assembly fire resistance up to 2 hours in double-layer 15 mm construction per BS 476: Part 22. Used for fire-rated partition walls, stairwell enclosures, lift shaft linings, plant room walls, and corridor linings. Note: fire rating applies to the complete tested assembly, not the board alone. Gyproc FireLine is the dominant brand in Malaysia. HS 6809110000 · import duty 30% · SST 10%.

Thin fibre cement board (4.5 mm / 6 mm) is autoclaved from Portland cement, cellulose fibre, and silica to ISO 8336:2017 (Category A). It is a CIDB-regulated product requiring mandatory Certification of Standard Compliance (PPS) under CIDB Act 520. Non-combustible (Class 0 fire spread), moisture-resistant, and termite-proof. Density 1,000–1,400 kg/m³. Standard sheet 2400 × 1200 mm (8 × 4). Used for ceiling linings, internal wall cladding, soffit boards, and dry-area applications where lightweight and non-combustibility are required. Active brands in Malaysia: UAC (Cementboard, Vistabord), Saint-Gobain PRIMA. HS 6811829000 · import duty 20% · SST 5%.

9 mm fibre cement board is the most common general-purpose thickness for internal wall cladding, partition facing, wet-area walls, and flooring underlayment in Malaysian construction. Autoclaved to ISO 8336:2017 (Category A). Mandatory CIDB Certification of Standard Compliance (PPS) under CIDB Act 520. Non-combustible, moisture-resistant, and termite-proof. Density 1,000–1,400 kg/m³. Standard sheet 2400 × 1200 mm (8 × 4). The most cost-effective fibre cement thickness for general partition and cladding applications. Compatible with standard wood-working and fibre cement tools. HS 6811829000 · import duty 20% · SST 5%.

Fibre cement board 12 mm (wet area / heavy duty) is autoclaved to ISO 8336:2017 (Category A) and is the preferred thickness for tile-backing substrates, bathroom walls, commercial kitchen walls, and external cladding in Malaysian construction. Density 1,100–1,400 kg/m³; higher rigidity than 9 mm. Mandatory CIDB PPS certification under CIDB Act 520. Fully moisture-resistant, termite-proof, and non-combustible. Preferred substrate for ceramic and porcelain tile installation in wet rooms and commercial areas. Standard sheet 2400 × 1200 mm (8 × 4). HS 6811829000 · import duty 20% · SST 5%.

Fibre cement cladding plank (shiplap / flat profile) is an elongated fibre cement panel designed for horizontal external wall cladding in Malaysian tropical construction. Typically 7.5–9 mm thick × 230 mm wide × 3660 mm long, in shiplap (overlapping edge rebate) or square-edge profiles. Surfaces available in smooth or woodgrain embossed finish. Weather-resistant, dimensionally stable, and immune to termites and rot without additional treatment. Suitable for external wall cladding, soffits, and fascia applications. Common local brand: UAC Prima Plank. HS 6811829000 · import duty 20% · SST 5%.

Fibre cement plank (cladding / lining board) is a narrow-profile autoclaved calcium silicate-cement board reinforced with cellulose fibre, used for interior and exterior wall cladding, ceiling lining, partition facing, and decorative soffit work in Malaysian construction. Standard plank: 230 mm wide × 3660 mm long × 8–12 mm thick. Surface options: smooth (plain-faced, suited for painted finish) or woodgrain embossed (mimics timber without moisture or decay risk). Dimensionally stable in Malaysia's tropical humidity. Pre-primed or uncoated variants available. HS 6811822000 · import duty 10% · SST 5%.