More farmers should venture into cocoa cultivation - CM
KOTA KINABALU (May 27): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor wants to see more farmers venturing into cocoa planting and expanding the 3,000 hectares of land already in cultivation in Sabah.
He said there has been a surge in international demand for Malaysia's cocoa products, with export values hitting a record RM15.06 billion last year, three times that of 2023.
'We are proud that Sabah has played a pivotal role in this success, accounting for over 60 per cent of the nation's cocoa output.
'I am heartened that about 3,000 cocoa farmers in the districts of Ranau, Tenom, Kota Marudu, Keningau and Kuamut have benefited,' he said at the Cocoa Gala Dinner held in conjunction with the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair 2025 (MICF 2025) at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Tuesday night.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister I/ Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
Hajiji said this was a momentous occasion for Sabah and reflected the state's significant role in Malaysia's cocoa industry.
He commended the Malaysian Cocoa Board for the exemplary efforts in driving this success.
The Chief Minister hoped the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) and gala dinner would bring about long-lasting benefits, from new partnerships and investments to increased global awareness of Sabah's strength, not only as the main cocoa-producing state in Malaysia, but as a destination for business, tourism and culture.
'We also express our heartfelt thanks to the international exhibitors and cocoa producers, to our local entrepreneurs and SMEs, to our academic institutions, and of course, to the many sponsors and partners, both from Malaysia and abroad, who have made MICF 2025 a success,' he said.
Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin who was also at the dinner attended by about 1,400 attendees, extended warm greetings on behalf of the Ministry and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the festival's overwhelming success.
'It is a great honour for me to represent the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities Malaysia at tonight's event,' he said in his opening remarks.
Chan lauded the strong collaboration between federal and state entities, highlighting Sabah's vital role in Malaysia's cocoa industry.
'Sabah has always been an essential part of Malaysia's cocoa industry, and we are proud to hold this festival here,' he said, extending his gratitude to the Sabah State Government for their unwavering support.
The Member of Parliament for Kota Kinabalu welcomed both local and international guests of the event saying, 'I am delighted that MICF 2025 is being held here in Kota Kinabalu, as it provides a valuable boost to our local economy.'
He underscored his personal involvement in the event's journey, from the pre-launch in January to officiating the Choco Rush flag-off on Sunday morning (May 25).
'The Choco Rush was a meaningful initiative that highlighted the nutritional and energising value of cocoa and chocolate as food and beverages,' he noted, adding that the event drew more than 1,000 running enthusiasts.
Reflecting on the festival's official opening earlier in the day, officiated by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Chan expressed admiration for the crowd and the vibrant exhibitions.
'I was truly impressed by the enthusiastic crowd and the vibrant exhibitions showcased by various cocoa companies. I am especially proud of the strong presence of Malaysian and Sabah-based chocolate brands such as Beryl's, Benns Ethicoa, Benns Chocolate, Cocoa Kingdom, and many more,' he said.
Chan acknowledged the international delegates, exhibitors and local entrepreneurs whose participation added prestige and dynamism to the festival.
'This evening is a special occasion for the cocoa fraternity, a celebration of our shared achievements. It is a moment to pause, reflect and express heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has attended and contributed to MICF 2025,' he stressed.
He paid tribute to those who worked behind the scenes, as well as the festival's key supporters and sponsors.
'My deepest gratitude goes to those who supported the organisation of MICF 2025, whether through funding, product sponsorships, manpower, influence, or invaluable guidance,' he said.
He made special mention of the Sabah State Government, the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), and 27 strategic partners, including Diamond Strategic Partner Guan Chong Cocoa Manufacturer Sdn Bhd and Platinum Strategic Partners Nestlé Products Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Overseas Supply Trading (M) Sdn Bhd.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Malaysian Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Sabah Tourism Board, Malaysia Airports Berhad, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and others.
'Let us remember that sweetness is not only found in chocolate, it is also in the relationships we build, the respect we show, and the visions we share. May this evening serve not only as a meet-and-greet, but also as a meaningful platform for networking, one that continues even after we return to our respective homes and communities,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Namibia targets shift from raw fish exports to seafood economy
WINDHOEK, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Namibian government plans to transform its fishing industry from a raw materials exporter into a comprehensive seafood economy, an official revealed on Wednesday. Speaking during a consultation with fishing industry leaders in the port city of Walvis Bay, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani said the initiative forms part of the country's new National Development Plan and seeks to raise the share of locally processed catch from 23 percent to 45 percent within five years. The move is expected to create 15,000 new permanent jobs in processing operations, reduce raw fish exports by 60 percent, and drive the development of new high-value seafood products for international markets, she said. To achieve this, the government will implement mandatory processing requirements for all fishing quota holders, she said, urging industry stakeholders to partner with the government in this national effort. She also noted that the sector's contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) declined from 4.5 percent in 2023 to 4.1 percent in 2024. "This reduction is largely attributed to continued decreases in the total allowable catches across key commercial species such as hake and horse mackerel," she explained. "To mitigate the unintended consequences of high levels of bycatch, the ministry is committed to enforcing stricter regulations and enhancing compliance with the recently announced 2 percent bycatch thresholds," she said, adding that the bycatch fee rate will also be increased from 15 to 50 percent. Zaamwani also announced stepped-up measures to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing along Namibia's maritime borders, particularly in the north, including the introduction of new monitoring technologies and joint patrols with the Ministry of Defense and the Namibian Police Force. The fishing sector remains a major contributor to Namibia's economy, supporting GDP, exports, value addition, and employment.
The Star
17 hours ago
- The Star
Sabu: NACCOL to discuss future of local white rice subsidy scheme
PUTRAJAYA: The National Action Council on Cost of Living will soon meet to decide on the continuation of the local white rice subsidy scheme, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu ( pic ). "We will make a final decision after discussions with Naccol, which is chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. A decision will be reached in the near future," he said when addressing the Ministry's monthly assembly held in conjunction with the National Month 2025 celebration on Wednesday (Aug 20). The local white rice subsidy scheme, which runs from March 1 to Aug 31, involves the distribution of 2.4 million 10kg bags of subsidised local white rice, priced at RM26 per bag, across Peninsular Malaysia. The initiative targets 400,000 low-income and hardcore poor households, with each household limited to purchasing two bags. It represents the first phase of the RM150mil targeted subsidy programme aimed at ensuring affordable rice supply for those most in need. Meanwhile, the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak noted that although there had previously been complaints about shortages of local white rice, demand now appeared to have slowed despite improved availability. "We need to determine whether this is linked to political sentiment, dietary changes or simply consumer preferences. What is clear, however, is that the quality of our local white rice is very good, and we want to optimise production to ensure a stable supply in the market," he said. Isham added that the initial allocation of 2.4 million bags had not been fully taken up, with sufficient stocks still available. To further ease access, the purchase limit has been raised from two bags per household to five. "With the price fixed at RM26, households in the B40 group can be assured of steady supply. Previously, some claimed there was no rice, but now it is available - and there are no more complaints," he said.
Malay Mail
18 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Malaysia needs 100,000 more engineers to meet development goals, says works minister
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 — Malaysia is currently facing a shortage of approximately 100,000 engineers to meet the country's development needs, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He said the current number of registered engineers has yet to achieve the ideal ratio of one engineer for every 100 Malaysians. 'At present, we have only 200,000 registered engineers, and we still need about 100,000 more to meet demand,' he said after officiating the 2025 National Engineering Convention (NEC 2025) here today. Nanta highlighted that efforts to address this shortage are already underway, particularly through the enhancement of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes. 'I welcome the announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to expand TVET programmes, with a target of 60,000 participants. We are confident this initiative will help us meet the 100,000 engineer target soon,' he added. He also stressed the importance of retaining engineering graduates within the field, noting the challenge of attracting them to other sectors due to higher starting salaries. 'We do not want engineering graduates to switch careers. The government is exploring ways to ensure they remain motivated and committed to pursuing engineering careers,' Nanta said. The Ministry of Works (KKR) is examining strategies to make the engineering profession more appealing, including creating an environment that offers better job prospects for graduates. On the recent motorcycle accident on Persiaran Mokhtar Dahari here, Nanta added that the incident occurred in an area under the responsibility of the state government and its appointed concessionaire. 'If the accident was caused by road damage, I urge the concessionaire to take swift action to prevent similar incidents in the future,' he said. A report by Infrasel Sdn Bhd and the Selangor Public Works Department (JKR) indicated that the accident took place near a housing project, where road conditions had become sandy. As an immediate measure, the concessionaire is undertaking cleaning operations and will soon begin road grading to ensure the safety of the route. — Bernama
