Latest news with #ChanFoongHin
Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
More farmers should venture into cocoa cultivation - CM
Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin (right) presents Dr Jeffrey with a token of appreciation. 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.
Free Malaysia Today
27-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Malaysia stirs ‘hotpot diplomacy' with palm-based fat for China
Malaysia's bilateral trade with Chongqing, a city in central China where mala hotpot is popular, has reached US$3.27 billion. (Medium pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia is seeking to expand its palm oil market in China by offering a plant-based alternative for use in mala hotpot, a popular spicy dish that's cooked with raw meats and vegetables in a simmering pot. The world's second-largest palm oil producer is working with Chinese researchers to develop a substitute for traditional tallow, a rendered animal fat mainly derived from beef and commonly used for frying and baking. Malaysia is touting palm as better aligned with modern healthy living trends. 'This is more than just culinary exchange – it's hotpot diplomacy,' said Chan Foong Hin, Malaysia's deputy minister of plantation and commodities. 'Palm is cholesterol-free and sourced sustainably,' he said in a statement. The mala version of the dish, featuring Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers, is known for its bright red color and tongue-numbing flavours. Early research shows that hotpot paste made with the new palm-based tallow closely replicates the fat content and sensory experience of traditional beef tallow, according to the statement. The plant-based alternative also makes it suitable for both vegetarians and Muslims. The initiative is part of Malaysia's effort to use scientific innovation to promote palm's use in China, the world's No 2 importer of the most-consumed cooking oil. Other collaborations with food manufacturers are also opening new entry points for the ubiquitous oil, including in mala-flavored snacks, personal care products, and industrial applications. 'Malaysia's bilateral trade with Chongqing, a city in central China where mala hotpot is popular, has reached US$3.27 billion, with palm playing a key role in the dish as well as green chemicals and oleochemicals,' Chan said. 'Palm-based tallow offers a more cost-effective solution, while matching the flavor and texture of traditional beef tallow,' Chan said. 'Malaysia is proud to contribute to the evolution of China's food culture while deepening trade and technology partnerships through palm oil,' he added.
BusinessToday
27-05-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Malaysia Eyes Deeper Palm Oil Trade Ties With China In Strategic Trade Mission
Malaysia is set to strengthen its foothold in the Chinese palm oil market through a high-level trade mission to China led by Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Chan Foong Hin. The visit, from May 18 to 24, aims to unlock new commercial opportunities and expand Malaysia's palm oil exports, particularly in emerging western Chinese markets such as Chengdu and Chongqing, the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities announced. Joining Chan on the mission are Secretary General Yusran Shah Yusof and Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Director General Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir. The delegation will begin its journey in Shanghai, where Chan will officiate the 20th anniversary of the MPOB's Palm Oil Research and Technical Service Institute (PORTSIM), a vital hub for innovation and market development in China. PORTSIM collaborates with Chinese institutions to promote palm-based products across sectors, including food, oleochemicals, and household items. The institute plays a critical role in encouraging palm oil use in Chinese cuisine, particularly in popular regional dishes like mala hotpot. The delegation's itinerary includes company visits, roundtable discussions with state-owned enterprises and meetings with regional government officials, aimed at broadening trade and investment cooperation. 'Western China represents a growing market for sustainable raw materials,' the ministry said. 'This mission underlines Malaysia's commitment to boosting palm oil exports, supporting green growth, and reinforcing economic ties with China.' China is Malaysia's third-largest palm oil importer, accounting for 10% of Malaysia's total palm oil export value in 2024. Last year, Malaysia's palm oil exports to China grew 5.11% to RM10.57 billion, capturing a 26.7% market share of China's total palm oil imports. The strategic push into China comes amid shifting global trade dynamics, with Malaysia recently signalling plans to recalibrate its palm oil export strategies following new tariff measures imposed by the US. Related
Business Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Malaysia stirs ‘hotpot diplomacy' with palm-based fat for China
[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia is seeking to expand its palm oil market in China by offering a plant-based alternative for use in mala hotpot, a popular spicy dish that's cooked with raw meats and vegetables in a simmering pot. The world's second-largest palm oil producer is working with Chinese researchers to develop a substitute to traditional tallow, a rendered animal fat mainly derived from beef and commonly used for frying and baking. Malaysia is touting palm as better aligned with modern healthy living trends. 'This is more than just culinary exchange – it's hotpot diplomacy,' said Chan Foong Hin, Malaysia's deputy minister of plantation and commodities. Palm is cholesterol-free and sourced sustainably, he said in a statement. The mala version of the dish, featuring Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers, is known for its bright red colour and tongue-numbing flavours. Early research shows that hotpot paste made with the new palm-based tallow closely replicates the fat content and sensory experience of traditional beef tallow, according to the statement. The plant-based alternative also makes it suitable for both vegetarians and Muslims. The initiative is part of Malaysia's effort to use scientific innovation to promote palm's use in China, the world's No 2 importer of the most-consumed cooking oil. Other collaborations with food manufacturers are also opening new entry points for the ubiquitous oil, including in mala-flavoured snacks, personal care products, and industrial applications. Malaysia's bilateral trade with Chongqing, a city in central China where mala hotpot is popular, has reached US$3.27 billion, with palm playing a key role in the dish as well as green chemicals and oleochemicals, Chan said. 'Palm-based tallow offers a more cost-effective solution, while matching the flavour and texture of traditional beef tallow,' Chan said. 'Malaysia is proud to contribute to the evolution of China's food culture while deepening trade and technology partnerships through palm oil.' BLOOMBERG
Daily Express
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah DAP eyeing 10 seats in the 17th Sabah Election
Sabah DAP eyeing 10 seats in the 17th Sabah Election Kota Kinabalu: Sabah DAP is targeting more than 10 seats in the 17th Sabah Election (PRN17), says Deputy Chairman Datuk Chan Foong Hin. He said the decision was made during the party's recent state retreat but remains subject to negotiation with coalition partners under the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Barisan Nasional (BN) pact. Advertisement Chan said the party aims to defend its four state seats, namely Tanjong Papat, Kapayan, Likas and Luyang, as well as the two seats where its representatives defected to Warisan, namely Sri Tanjong and Elopura. In the previous state election, Sabah DAP contested seven seats. SPONSORED CONTENT Apart from DAP, the Pakatan coalition in Sabah includes PKR, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) and Parti Amanah Sabah. On PKR Deputy President Nurul Izzah Anwar's statement about contesting at least 13 seats in the state polls, Chan said the final allocation depends on consensus within Pakatan. Advertisement 'Once there is consensus within Pakatan on seat allocation, only then can we begin formal negotiations with other coalitions,' he said, Monday. In the 2020 state election, DAP contested under the Warisan logo, while PKR and Upko used their own party symbols, collectively winning nine seats. Advertisement Chan said the coming state polls will be more complex than the 2020 election, involving three major blocs – the Pakatan-Barisan pact, GRS and Warisan. 'For other groups, there is interest in collaboration but formalising these discussions takes time,' he said. Chan said, for now, everything remains open. 'Nothing is set in stone. Each coalition must finalise its internal consensus before moving forward,' he said. Meanwhile, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) views PKR's intention to contest at least 13 seats in the PRN17 as a direct challenge to the political autonomy of Sabah. 'The demand for 13 seats by a peninsula-based party implies a continued perception of Sabah as a political colony, rather than an equal partner in the Malaysian Federation. This undermines the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which affirms Sabah's right to determine its own political direction,' said Star Information Chief Anuar Ghani, in a statement, Monday. Star also criticized Nurul Izzah's statement regarding the deployment of campaign teams from Selangor, Johor and Penang to Sabah, calling it intrusive and disrespectful to local sentiments. 'Sabah is not a political laboratory for peninsula parties,' he said. 'Sending in outside machinery shows a lack of sensitivity and reinforces the perception that national parties continue to undermine local leadership.' Star also questioned the basis for PKR's seats claim, noting that the party previously won only two out of the 10 seats it contested in the last state election. 'To now demand 13 seats despite such a record reflects not only overreach but a lack of understanding of Sabah's evolving political landscape.'
