The Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) is shaping a renewable energy future by championing the sustainable sourcing of biomass through its Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) certification.
According to the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) International, energy from wood accounts for 40% of the global renewable energy supply, which is as much as solar, hydroelectric, and wind power combined.
Today, fuels derived from wood contribute more than 87% of all biomass energy, as reported by the World Bioenergy Association.
Wood fuel is considered the most affordable and reliable energy source, providing consistent energy across conditions and serving as a critical resource during power disruptions, added MTCC.
The organisation, which operates the MTCS, champions sustainable forest management and ensures supply chain integrity.
As the world’s first tropical timber certification scheme endorsed by PEFC, MTCS ensures that certified wood products, including biomass, come from responsibly managed forests.
Malaysia’s forests as a renewable energy source
Malaysia’s forests hold vast potential for renewable energy. The National Biomass Action Plan 2023-2030 highlights Malaysia’s rich forest resources, which generate over 1.94 million tonnes of woody biomass annually through around 5,000 primary wood-based factories.
This renewable potential aligns with National Agricommodity Policy (DAKN) 2021-2030’s strategic focus on timber resources as one of Malaysia's key biomass sources, promoting the efficient use of wood resources through the 3R concept (reduce, reuse, recycle) to minimise waste in production processes while maximizing value generation from forest residues.
These forest residues, including branches, sawdust, bark, and off-cuts, are converted into wood pellets, bio-composites, woodchips, and green fuel for biomass power plants.
In 2024, Malaysia’s wood pellet exports recorded a 31% increase, reaching 1.13 million tonnes, reflecting strong global demand for Malaysian biomass as a renewable energy source.
This growth was driven by markets such as Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands, as highlighted by the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities recently during the 5th International Oil Palm Biomass Conference 2025.
As global demand for wood energy rises, ensuring that biomass is sourced sustainably is critical, and this is where MTCS/PEFC certification makes all the difference.
MTCS/PEFC Certification
Dr Farrah Shameen Mohamad Ashray, CEO of MTCC, explained: “Sustainable forestry isn't just about timber, it's about securing a renewable energy future where MTCS/PEFC certified biomass serves as a responsible and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.”
Dr Farrah added that MTCS ensures sustainable forest management and traceability of wood sources through its Sustainable Forest Management Malaysian Criteria & Indicators (SFM MC&I), and Chain of Custody (COC) certification.
“MTCS/PEFC certification ensures certified wood products, including biomass from both natural forests and forest plantations, are responsibly managed to preserve biodiversity and respect local communities.”
She also emphasised that MTCC certifies companies through its COC certification to ensure that wood products, including biomass, are tracked and remain traceable throughout the supply chain. This ensures that the entire process is fully sustainable and compliant with certification standards, from forest to consumer.
“Wood residues and byproducts from MTCS/PEFC certified forest operations can be converted into pellets, chips, and biofuels that power homes and industries while maintaining a lower carbon footprint,” she added. “When sourced sustainably, this biomass represents a renewable cycle that complements solar, wind and other clean energy sources.”
As of March 2025, MTCS has certified 37 Forest Management Units (both natural forest and forest plantation) covering 5.97 million hectares, representing over 33.2% of Malaysia's forest cover.
Additionally, 374 companies hold COC certifications, ensuring traceability and sustainability from forest to final product.
Malaysian Timber Certification Council champions sustainable biomass sourcing
