Kenaf industry lacks full ecosystem, govt to learn from Bangladesh and China
Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah
KOTA BARU: Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said today the government plans to send the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN) board of directors to kenaf-exporting countries to study the crop's processing methods and related industries.
He said the move, part of a five-year plan, would provide justification for LKTN to remain the lead agency to develop the kenaf industry.
"If a commodity does not have a successful ecosystem, it will not succeed. Kenaf still does not have a complete ecosystem. Furthermore, the land currently planted with kenaf is small — about 1,600 hectares.
"To succeed in the kenaf industry, we need strong support, particularly in terms of land, processing factories, and a clear target for the types of products to be produced from kenaf," he added.
Speaking to reporters after launching two new varieties — Malaysia Kenaf 1 (MK1) and Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2) here today, Johari said kenaf has the potential to be turned into many different products, but success would require specific skills.
"Without the necessary skills, it will be difficult. I have made several suggestions to the Kenaf Board, including learning from the success stories of palm oil, rubber, and cocoa — commodities that have become major national exports.
"One of the suggestions is to send LKTN's board of directors to countries such as Bangladesh and China, where kenaf production and processing are more established," he added.
Johari said Bangladesh and China mainly focus on simple kenaf processing but have successfully built strong industries around it.
"Kenaf has not yet reached the level of palm oil, rubber, or cocoa, so we need to learn more to develop and promote the industry.
"Through these visits, we can understand the processes and skills involved and adapt them locally," he said.
Johari added that the ministry is awaiting a presentation from the Kenaf Board's director-general before finalising the visit plans.
Also present at the event were Plantation and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof and LKTN chairman Datuk Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah.
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