A publicity campaign has been launched by Malaysia to increase timber use in the face of the global downturn, according to state news agency Bernama.

A six-month campaign by the Malaysian Timber Industry Board will involve publicity at national and international level, with Bernama quoting plantation industries and commodities minister saying discussions will be held with foreign media, including CNN.

The country’s timber exports declined by 18% in the first half of 2009. Timber exports were worth M$22.7bn in 2008.