INTRODUCTION

The Standard Malaysian Name for the timber of Koompassia malaccensis (Leguminosae). Vernacular names applied include impas (Sabah) and menggris (Sarawak). This is a monospecific timber. The sapwood is white or pale yellow and is sharply defined from the heartwood, which is pinkish when fresh and darkens to bright orange-red or deep brown.

Also known as Kempas (Brunei); Hampas, Impas, Kempas, Keranji, Mengeris, Mengris, Pah and Upil (Indonesia); Koompassia (Papua New Guinea); and Makupa, Sifai and Tong-bueng (Thailand).

DENSITY

The timber is a Medium Hardwood with a density of 770-1,120 kg/m3 air dry. It was reported that the material from Sabah and Sarawak is much denser than the material from Peninsular Malaysia.

TEXTURE

Texture is rather coarse but even except in areas where included phloem occurs. Grain is interlocked, often very interlocked.

USES

The timber when treated with preservatives is suitable for all heavy constructional works, posts, beams, joists, rafters, piling, columns (heavy duty), fender supports, pallets (permanent and heavy duty), door and window frames and sills, tool handles (impact), bridges, wharves, marine construction, railway sleepers, telegraphic and power transmission posts and cross arms. When untreated, the timber is suitable for structures under cover, flooring, panelling, mouldings, vehicle bodies (framework and floor boards), plywood and charcoal manufacture.