Sabah cocoa production on the rise
KOTA KINABALU (May 24): Sabah has recorded a rise in cocoa production, attributed to sustained government assistance and initiatives aimed at supporting local farmers.
Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) director-general Datuk Dr Ramle Kasim said that although he did not have the exact figures on hand, production has notably increased compared to a decade ago.
'This can be seen with current cocoa prices nearing RM30,000 per tonne. We foresee this figure continuing to rise,' he said.
He credited the increase to various government efforts, particularly at the upstream level, in helping cocoa farmers improve productivity and livelihoods.
'The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK), through LKM, has been providing aid for cocoa planting, rehabilitation and other forms of assistance to boost production and strengthen the economic standing of our target groups,' Ramle told reporters after a walkabout at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Friday in preparation for the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF).
He added that LKM remains committed to ensuring cocoa farmers in Sabah are supported and actively working to uplift the state's cocoa industry.
Meanwhile, Ramle said more than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend the four-day MICF, driven by extensive promotional efforts. The event will feature 160 booths showcasing various cocoa-based products and information, including participation from international exhibitors from China, Singapore, Europe and Africa.
In addition to chocolate, visitors can explore cocoa-based skincare products made from cocoa butter, view exhibitions on advanced chocolate-making machinery from other countries, and enjoy a chocolate-making competition.
Also present at the walkabout was LKM chairman Datuk Matbali Musah.
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