In Malaysia, the use of wood fuel for domestic uses is insignificant compared to the use of gas and electricity. This is basically because Malaysia is rich in gas resources and there is abundant and cheap electricity supply, generated mainly from hydro-electric dams. However, to improve efficiency and minimise wastage, some solid waste is converted into low quality charcoal for domestic uses. High quality charcoal mangrove timber, locally known as Bakau (Bruguiera spp., Ceriops spp., and Rhizophora spp.) is also produced for this purpose.
In addition, a substantial volume of mill residues which consists of small edgings, trimmings, slabs and low quality peeler cores are consumed as fuel for boiler in plywood mills, timber drying kilns, brick kilns, tobacco curing and fishmeal factories. Rubberwood charcoal is also being manufactured in large quantities for industrial uses, mainly in steel mills.
