KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's newly established special committee on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is examining how countries like Thailand attained a low-risk classification.

This status allows them to export forest-based products to the EU with fewer restrictions.

Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the committee includes his ministry, the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, and the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry.

It will coordinate efforts to help Malaysia secure low-risk status for forest-based product exports.

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"The first step is to review and understand why Malaysia is categorised as standard risk, while countries like Thailand have achieved a low-risk status.

"We need to identify the differences and work on improving them. Eventually, we too will attain a low-risk classification.

"At present, 30 per cent of our exports are subject to sampling and inspection.

"To facilitate exports, we must upgrade from standard risk to low-risk.

"Once we achieve low-risk status, our products will enter international markets more easily."

He said this after attending the Titiwangsa Umno delegates' meeting.

Johari, who chairs the committee, said that to attain low-risk status, Malaysia must align its forest governance, certification systems and monitoring practices with international standards.

He added that cooperation from state governments will be crucial, given their role in forest land management.

Asked when Malaysia might achieve low-risk status, Johari said: "If possible, as soon as possible, but we need to do it right."

"Some areas may have exceeded deforestation thresholds, so they will need to be reviewed carefully."

On June 26, the government formed a special committee to spearhead Malaysia's response to EUDR, aiming to maintain EU market access and strengthen sustainability compliance across key export sectors.

It held its first meeting in Putrajaya on June 26, bringing together officials and technical experts to align national policies, implementation strategies and data systems with EUDR requirements.

The committee will also serve as the central platform for Malaysia's engagement with the European Commission, including the submission of official datasets, policy updates, and participation in technical exchanges.

This whole-of-government effort underscores Malaysia's commitment to sustainability across key commodities — including palm oil, rubber, timber and cocoa — which collectively generated RM186 billion in export value last year.