Malaysian - government to consider rebate for the furniture exporters (07.03.09)

The Malaysian government is considering an export rebate for furniture exporters due to its value-added benefit to the country's timber industry, as per a report published in the Singapore-based Business Times. The rebates will be considered as part of a stimulus package to be presented on March 10. The Malaysian government will consider the measure in an effort to reverse slowing exports for an industry that Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin said supports more than 1,000 businesses. The current tax structure discourages Malaysian-made furniture in favor of imports. Chin also has asked the Finance Ministry to consider waiving import duties on furniture parts like glass fabric and components, Chin said.