Dark Red Meranti   INTRODUCTION The Standard Malaysian Name for the dark red and lightweight timber of the genus Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae). Vernacular names used include meranti (Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak) with various epithets, seraya (Sabah) with various epithets, nemesu (Peninsular Malaysia), nemusu (Peninsular Malaysia), seraya (Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah), obar suluk (Sabah) and also various local names too numerous to list here. Major species producing this timber include S. acuminata (partly),…

Discover the Versatility of Bintangor Timber   Bintangor timber, derived from various species of the Calophyllum genus, represents a versatile and resilient choice for a wide range of applications. Known as bintangor across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, with additional names like bakokol and entangor, this timber boasts a distinctive appearance and remarkable properties. With…

Red Balau Wood: Premium Choice for Heavy-Duty Applications   Introduction   Red Balau wood, originating from the Shorea genus, stands out for its deep red-brown color and impressive strength. Known by various local names such as balau merah and red selangan batu, this heavy hardwood is ideal for applications that demand durability and reliability.   —…

Pulai Wood: Characteristics and Applications Pulai wood, sourced from Alstonia spp., is widely known for its light color and versatile uses. It is commonly referred to as mergalang, pulai, and sayongan across Malaysia and Southeast Asia, with international names such as Milky Pine and White Cheesewood. The wood is cream to light yellow in color,…

Podo Wood: Characteristics and Applications Introduction Podo wood comes from species such as Dacrycarpus imbricatus, Nageia spp., and Podocarpus spp. It is known by various names across Malaysia and Southeast Asia, such as podo, jati bukit, rempayan, and kayu china. The wood’s heartwood has a light yellow to golden-brown hue with a greenish tinge, making…

Discover Petai wood: A Versatile Wood for Interior Works and Beyond   Petai wood, scientifically known as Parkia spp. (Leguminosae), is a distinctive wood species native to Malaysia. It is commonly referred to by various vernacular names such as “kupang” in Sabah, “kerayong” in Peninsular Malaysia, and “petai” in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak. Notable species…

Penyau Wood: The Ultimate Choice for Durability and Strength Introduction Penyau, the Standard Malaysian Name and ASEAN Standard Name for Upuna borneensis (family Dipterocarpaceae), is a renowned wood species known for its resilience and strength. In Malaysia, it is commonly referred to as “penyau,” while in Indonesia, it’s known as balau penyau or penyau tanduk.…

Exploring the Potential of Oil Palm Wood: An Underutilized Resource Introduction Oil Palm wood refers to the wood from the Elaeis guineensis palm, which belongs to the Palmae family. Native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa, this palm species naturally occurs from Senegal to Angola, extending further along the Congo River. Although oil palm…

Nyatoh Wood: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction Nyatoh is the Standard Malaysian Name for light, reddish wood from the family Sapotaceae. This versatile wood is known by various names across Malaysia, including bengku, ekor, jangkar, rian, and more, depending on the region. Major species contributing to Nyatoh wood include Madhuca curtisii, M. kingiana, Palaquium gutta, P.…

Mersawa Wood: A Comprehensive Guide   Introduction Mersawa is the Standard Malaysian Name for the wood of Anisoptera species, part of the Dipterocarpaceae family. Common vernacular names include kijal (Terengganu), loh (Pahang), medang sawa (Peninsular Malaysia), mersawa (Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak), pengiran (Sabah), rengkong (Pahang), sanai (Peninsular Malaysia), and terbak (Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan). Major species…