KUALA LUMPUR (March 8): Malaysia is targeting to be among the world's top five furniture exporters in the next five years, according to Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong.

"Malaysia is currently the eighth largest furniture exporter now, so hopefully in the next five years we can be in the top five," he told reporters at the sidelines of the 23rd Malaysian International Furniture Fair.

"Malaysia Timber Council and Malaysia External Trade Development (MATRADE) have been organising programmes to promote our furniture products. Despite the more challenging global environment, for this year, I think the exports of furniture products can grow about 5%," he said.

According to Mah, Malaysia's exports of furniture products increased by 4.2% to RM9.53 billion in 2016, compared to RM9.14 billion in 2015.

Wooden furniture accounted for 80% of the total furniture products exported.

Made-in-Malaysia furniture is exported to over 160 countries. In terms of global furniture markets, Malaysia has a strong market presence in the United States, Japan and Australia, while experiencing substantial growth in the United Kingdom (UK), China, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, Mah said in a speech earlier.

The minister previously said the furniture sector was expected to register an export value of RM16 billion by 2020.