Latest news with #274
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia targets 10,000ha cocoa cultivation by 2030 to meet growing demand
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to expand cocoa cultivation nationwide to 10,000ha by 2030, from the current 5,985ha, to meet the rising demand for high-quality cocoa, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Plantation and Commodities Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the target is part of the Plantation Sector Cocoa Cultivation Promotion Programme – an initiative by the ministry and the Malaysian Cocoa Board to accelerate expansion through the plantation sector. "This means an additional 4,000ha of cocoa cultivation by 2030. To achieve this, we have introduced the programme to drive expansion through the plantation sector," he said during the question-and-answer session. Chan was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Lo Su Fui (GRS–Tawau) on measures to encourage cocoa cultivation in Sabah. In reply to a supplementary question from Dr Halimah Ali (PN–Kapar) on efforts to improve cocoa varieties, Chan said one of the government's initiatives was to brand and promote premium local cocoa products as single-origin and fine-flavour cocoa. Based on last year's data, the average price of dry cocoa beans surged 141 per cent to RM24,274 per metric tonne, compared with RM10,073 the previous year. "Through such an approach, cocoa producers can showcase the distinctive taste of locally grown cocoa, which can attract both local and international chocolate makers. "The ministry, together with the board, also provides various forms of assistance to help farmers continue cultivating cocoa, including fertilisers to improve soil fertility and structure. "We also provide cocoa seeds and pesticides, whether to plantation companies or smallholders," he said.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia aims to expand cocoa cultivation to 10,000 hectares by 2030
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) has set a target to expand Malaysia's cocoa cultivation area to 10,000 hectares by 2030. This initiative aims to meet rising demand for high-quality Malaysian cocoa, up from the current 5,985 hectares. Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin highlighted the Cocoa Cultivation Promotion Programme as a key strategy. The programme, led by KPK and the Malaysian Cocoa Board, focuses on boosting cultivation through the plantation sector. Chan also announced an upcoming engagement programme in Tawau to promote cocoa farming in Sabah. He shared this during a Dewan Rakyat session in response to a question from Datuk Lo Su Fui (GRS-Tawau). Recent data shows dried cocoa bean prices surged by 141 per cent to RM24,274 per metric tonne in 2024. This marks a significant rise from RM10,073 in 2023, reflecting growing market demand. When asked about cocoa-based products, Chan emphasised KPK's focus on branding premium local cocoa. The ministry promotes single-origin and fine-flavoured cocoa to attract global chocolate makers. KPK also provides tailored support to farmers, including fertilisers and pest control measures. These efforts aim to enhance soil fertility and reduce crop losses from pests and diseases. The expansion plan aligns with Malaysia's goal to strengthen its position in the global cocoa market. Farmers will benefit from targeted assistance to sustain and grow their cocoa cultivation. The initiative underscores Malaysia's commitment to high-quality cocoa production and agricultural sustainability. With rising prices and demand, the sector presents new opportunities for local producers. The government's support aims to ensure long-term growth and competitiveness in the cocoa industry. - Bernama
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
KPK aims to expand cocoa cultivation to 10,000 hectares by 2030
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) aims to expand the country's cocoa cultivation area to 10,000 hectares (ha) by 2030 from the current 5,985ha to meet the growing demand for high-quality Malaysian cocoa. Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the Cocoa Cultivation Promotion Programme is a strategic initiative by KPK and the Malaysian Cocoa Board to boost cocoa cultivation through the plantation sector. "Coincidentally, I will also be holding the Sabah Regional Cocoa Cultivation Promotion Engagement Programme in Tawau tomorrow,' he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. He said this in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Lo Su Fui (GRS-Tawau) on the concrete measures taken by KPK to encourage cocoa cultivation in Sabah. According to Chan, data in 2024 showed that the average price of dried cocoa beans had increased by 141 per cent to RM24,274 per metric tonne from RM10,073 in 2023. In his reply to another supplementary question from Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) about KPK's policy on the production of cocoa-based products such as chocolate, Chan said the ministry has been branding and promoting premium local cocoa products as single-origin and fine-flavoured cocoa. "This approach enables cocoa producers to showcase the distinctive taste of locally grown cocoa, which can attract both local and international chocolate makers,' he added. According to Chan, KPK and the Malaysian Cocoa Board have been providing various forms of assistance to help farmers continue their cocoa cultivation on a case-by-case basis. This includes providing fertilisers to boost soil fertility and improve soil structure, as well as pesticides and disease-control agents to minimise crop losses due to attacks from pests and diseases. - Bernama
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia targets 10,000ha cocoa cultivation by 2030 to meet pent-up demand
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) aims to expand the country's cocoa cultivation area to 10,000 hectares (ha) by 2030 from the current 5,985ha to meet the growing demand for high-quality Malaysian cocoa. Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the Cocoa Cultivation Promotion Programme is a strategic initiative by KPK and the Malaysian Cocoa Board to boost cocoa cultivation through the plantation sector. "Coincidentally, I will also be holding the Sabah Regional Cocoa Cultivation Promotion Engagement Programme in Tawau tomorrow," he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. He said this in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Lo Su Fui (GRS-Tawau) on the concrete measures taken by KPK to encourage cocoa cultivation in Sabah. According to Chan, data in 2024 showed that the average price of dried cocoa beans had increased by 141 per cent to RM24,274 per metric tonne from RM10,073 in 2023. In his reply to another supplementary question from Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) about KPK's policy on the production of cocoa-based products such as chocolate, Chan said the ministry has been branding and promoting premium local cocoa products as single-origin and fine-flavoured cocoa. "This approach enables cocoa producers to showcase the distinctive taste of locally grown cocoa, which can attract both local and international chocolate makers," he added. According to Chan, KPK and the Malaysian Cocoa Board have been providing various forms of assistance to help farmers continue their cocoa cultivation on a case-by-case basis. This includes providing fertilisers to boost soil fertility and improve soil structure, as well as pesticides and disease-control agents to minimise crop losses due to attacks from pests and diseases.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vermont Sen Bernie Sanders joins protesters outside City Hall in support of workers' rights; 70 arrested
The Brief May 1st brought protesters to a rally outside Philadelphia's City Hall. Hundreds of people turned out for the rally, protesting for what they say is the right of workers to be protected and valued. They were joined by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. CENTER CITY - Hundreds of hotel, stadium and airport food service workers, all members of UNITE HERE Philly Local 274 joined together in a large rally, along with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. What we know Hundreds of people from hotel workers, airport food service workers, stadium workers threatening to strike if they don't get a piece of the pie that is expected to come to Philadelphia as the city is set to host several big events, including the World Cup and America's 250th birthday, or the Semiquincentennial. The protesters were joined by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders who spoke on workers' rights, among other topics. The protesters were then set to march north on Broad Street to Vine Street. Streets shut down In advance of the rally, Philadelphia set up a network of rolling street shutdowns, accommodating the rally-goers and to keep traffic flowing in an orderly manner. The streets to be shut down were in keeping with the rally-goers movement north as they head on North Broad to Vine Street. The other side After the rally, the demonstrators did march around City Hall and up North Broad Street to Broad and Vine. That's where city officials say 70 demonstrators were arrested after allegedly blocking the intersection. They were charged with civil disobedience.
