ASSOCIATE VOYAG

The Muar Furniture Association

In the early stages of developing the furniture industry in Muar, there were no transportation advantages or abundant resources available.

The Muar Furniture Council (MFC) was founded in 1982 by Tan Chuan Choon after he recognized that cooperation was the key to developing the Muar furniture sector. At the time, there were only around 30 member companies, and any business related to the furniture industry, such as machinery, hardware, and raw material suppliers, could join the association.

Tan Chuan Choon, the association’s first president, understood the necessity for a dedicated location to bring its members together. As a result, he suggested acquiring a clubhouse at a general assembly meeting. Despite the early stages of the association having minimal financial means, the vote to buy a clubhouse narrowly passed in the motion. The members embarked on fundraising efforts, reaching out to furniture factories and collecting donations. In just a few months, they raised hundred thousand ringgit and acquired a clubhouse on Jalan Abdullah Rahman in Muar.

With the establishment of the association, the MFA played a crucial role in bringing together business forces and encouraging unity among its members. It defended the industry’s advantages and resolved conflicts with furniture proprietors. The MFA not only led the industry’s transition from traditional craftsmanship to mechanised production but also acted as an intermediary between the government and its members. During Tan Chuan Choon’s tenure, he proposed initiatives to legitimise illegal businesses by requesting industrial land in government council planning. He also advocated for the restriction of exporting certain commonly used domestic timbers, ensuring a stable supply of timber for the furniture industry.

The Muar Furniture Council formally changed its name to the Muar Furniture Association in 1998 in order to widen its scope and look for bigger economic prospects. With the fund accumulated through the past decade, MFA invested RM 1.2 million to build a new threestory headquarters in Bakri, Muar. There are amenities including an information center, library, and resource room within the new headquarters.

1987年于麻坡举办第一次的展览会