Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) has rescheduled its 26th edition to 2021 due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

The 2021 event will be held from March 8 to 11 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) and Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) with a combined gross size of 100,000sq m.

The show was planned for March this year and subsequently postponed to June 30 until July 3 due to the Covid-19 situation.

Show organiser Informa Markets said it had taken into account the disruption of international travel and movement curbs by the pandemic as well as advice from Malaysian health authorities.

“We feel this is in the best interest of our exhibitors and buyers, ” said MIFF founder and chairman Datuk Tan Chin Huat.

“Over the past few weeks, we have been talking to the MIFF community and listening to their feedback. The present environment is very challenging and would affect the effectiveness of the show.

“By deferring it to 2021, it will provide space for our exhibitors to review their strategies and realign for the changed landscape.

“We remain very excited about the opportunities at next year’s show and will focus our energies for an exceptional event.

“We would like to thank exhibitors, buyers and friends who have continued to communicate with us during this period. Their input has been immensely invaluable and helps us improve the show further to serve global furniture trade.”

Informa Markets launched a new opportunity in mid-March for exhibitors to stay connected with potential buyers through the MIFF digital showroom.

The digital showroom connects Malaysian and other furniture companies with buyers from all parts of the world and there is no better time than the present when global buyers are looking for alternative ways of supply.

MIFF is the largest marketplace for Malaysian exporters and their predominantly wooden and upholstery furniture for home and commercial use, and it offers the widest range of office furniture in the region by Malaysian and international manufacturers. MIFF has buyers from 140 countries and regions. So, the MIFF online experience provides a great alternative for manufacturers and buyers to remain connected.

The organiser will continue to stage online activities such as webinars to engage with exhibitors and buyers across the globe during this unprecedented time.

The first MIFF webinar was held recently, successfully with a total of over 500 participants.