22 June 2018 (Friday) – Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) Wood Preservative Analytical Laboratory (MAAK) will be more diligent in conducting research to produce less toxic and more environmentally-friendly wood preservatives in collaboration with the industry as well as to develop faster chemical analysis methods in line with the 4.0 industrial revolution which emphasises modernisation such as use of large data, intelligent applications and robotics.

MAAK is also committed to be an authoritative laboratory in support of the implementation of the Product Certification Services (PCS) established by FRIM.

FRIM Director General Dato’ Dr Abd Latif Mohmod said, “The rapid growth of the Malaysian economy increases the demand for high quality raw materials. It is important to meet the requirements for testing and verifying quality of wood treatments by accredited laboratories which comply with standard requirements.”

He added FRIM will work towards improving the durability and quality of timber products from alternative resources which contributes to the conservation of forest.

The increase in market demands and deterioration supply of heavy hardwood such as chengal and merbau triggerred the need for alternative materials such as less durable timber treated to enhance their durability.

The ISO G 25 (left) and ISO 9001 certificates.

MAAK Head Mohamad Nasir Mat Arip conducting analysis on preservative content in a wood sample.

In the 1960s to 1980s, water-based preservatives such as copper, chrome, arsenic (CCA) and boron were used in wood preservation. CCA was used in the roof truss wood treatment while boron in the treatment of rubber wood for furniture products. Light Organic Solvent Preservative (LOSP) was used for preserving light red meranti for the Australian market. Research and development in wood preservation technology has enabled rubberwood to become a major source of raw material for the furniture industry.

MAAK had successfully obtained the MS ISO/IEC G 25 accreditation from the Malaysian Accreditation Council (now known as Malaysian Standards and Accreditation Council) in 1998, making it the first FRIM laboratory to receive such recognition. MAAK has also been accredited with ISO 9001 in 2001 and upgraded to MS ISO/IEC 17025 in 2003.

In terms of laboratory safety, MAAK has been accredited by Malaysia Institute of Chemistry (IKM) Laboratory Excellence Award since 1996. MAAK received the IKM Silver Award in 2005, IKM Gold Award (2010) and IKM Platinum Award (2015). MAAK was also accorded the Most Consistent Laboratory Achievements Award at the Federal Statutory Bodies Chief Executive Meeting in 2009 to acknowldge its contribution in the country’s construction industry.

To date, MAAK has provided services to 5,434 companies including CCA dry salt propagation tests in preserved wood and boron content determination tests in furniture products. In addition, MAAK also provides consultancy services on wood preservation and training for the timber industry on quality compliance and wood treatment.

The condition at MAAK in 1997.

Mohamad Nasir (left) receiving the IKM Platinum Award in 2015.