MERAWAN

MERAWAN. The Standard Malaysian Name for the light timbers of Hopea spp. (Dipterocarpaceae). Vernacular names applied are usually merawan (Peninsular Malaysia) with various qualifying epithets, luis (Sarawak), mang (Sarawak) and selangan (Sabah and Sarawak) with various epithets. MERAWAN timber is usually mixed with the lighter species of Shorea and sold as selangan batu No. 2 in Sabah.

MERAWAN timber is moderately durable under exposed conditions. It is especially resistant to fungal infection under normal conditions. The sapwood is susceptible to heavy damage by termites and in damp situations by fungus (Thomas, 1970).

MERAWAN timber is suitable for rafters, joists, door and window frames and sills (internal use), panelling, mouldings, partitioning, joinery, furniture, flooring, decking, staircase (angle blocks, newel, riser, sprandrel framing, stringer, tread, bullnose, round end and winder), columns, railway sleepers, vehicle bodie, boat building (general planking), cooling tower and tool handles (non impact). The heavier species are suitable for heavy construction under cover.