Latest news with #KibarJalurGemilang
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johari: Reviving idle rubber land to cut RM7bil import bill
KUALA LUMPUR: The consolidation of smallholder rubber plantations is progressing well, with ongoing efforts to revive idle plots and reduce Malaysia's reliance on imported rubber, says Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. He said the ministry, in collaboration with the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) and the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda), was working to identify smallholder-owned plots that were no longer being cultivated and bring them under joint management. "We are in discussions with landowners. If they are no longer working their land, they can lease it to MRB so that we can manage it together with Risda. This will enable us to restart production and reduce rubber imports," he told reporters after officiating at the ministry's 2025 Independence Month and Kibar Jalur Gemilang launch ceremony here today. Johari said that Malaysia, once the world's leading rubber exporter, now produced only about 350,000 metric tonnes annually, while importing 1.1 million metric tonnes to meet domestic demand. He urged those no longer cultivating their land to cooperate with the relevant agencies to ensure it could be replanted with rubber. "This initiative is ongoing. Anyone with idle land can come forward, and we will work together to cultivate it. I can already see an increase in local rubber production compared with before, but there is still a long way to go," he said. Johari added that the initiative formed part of the government's commitment under the current Malaysia Plan to revitalise the commodities sector. "This includes replanting programmes and other assistance to help smallholders increase yields, ensuring rubber remains a sustainable source of income and export revenue for the country." On June 14, Johari announced that the ministry was developing a strategy to consolidate smallholder rubber plots into larger, systematically managed estates, in an effort to curb the country's dependence on imported natural rubber. He stressed that the initiative was vital, as Malaysia continued to import about RM7 billion worth of natural rubber annually despite having the domestic capacity to produce it. The land consolidation plan, Johari said, would be implemented in phases, starting with areas showing strong development potential.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johari: Political stability fuels RM120bil commodity exports
KUALA LUMPUR: Political stability is crucial to Malaysia's economic growth, particularly in the plantation and commodities sector. Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the country's stable political environment had allowed the ministry and its agencies to develop industries such as palm oil, rubber, pepper, kenaf and timber into major export earners. "This country has developed well because we have political stability. Political stability is essential for any nation to grow its economy, and with it, we can develop effectively," he said. He made the remarks after officiating at the ministry's 2025 Independence Month and Kibar Jalur Gemilang launch ceremony here today, which was also attended by Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Fong Hin. Johari said the ministry's work spanned almost every state, including Johor, Perlis, Sabah and Sarawak, reflecting the breadth of the commodity sector. "In the palm oil industry alone, we have 5.7 million hectares under cultivation, involving nearly 450,000 smallholders nationwide. We have successfully grown this industry to the point where exports now reach RM120 billion," he said. He added that the ministry was also directly engaged in other commodities across the country, including rubber, pepper, kenaf and a wide range of timber products. "This progress has been made possible because political stability has strengthened the ministry's agencies, enabling them to deliver high-quality products to the global market," he said.
The Star
06-08-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Flag-raising campaign makes pit stop in PJ
Mohammad Zahri (second row, sixth from right) launching the 'Kibar Jalur Gemilang' campaign in Petaling Jaya ahead of National Day. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star The 'Kibar Jalur Gemilang' programme in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, kicked off with a bustling day of activities at Laman MBPJ. The event is part of the broader 'Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang' (KMJG) campaign in conjunction with National Day celebrations. The Petaling Jaya programme in Jalan Yong Shook Lin saw a gathering of about 1,500 people including residents, representatives of educational and financial institutions, hospitals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector. The 'Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang' convoy being flagged off. Activities included a colouring contest, food truck sales, seedling giveaways, PJ Eco Free Market, Library on Wheels and lucky draw. A 50% membership discount for the PJ community library was also offered. Among the visitors was Nurul Ain Manan, who brought her children to help them gain a deeper appreciation of the country's independence. 'The National Day programme allows us to experience the spirit of independence and patriotism. I want my children to see that. 'Although we can access information about Merdeka, it's not always accurate online and can be misinterpreted,' she said. The event was launched by Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon, who also flagged off the KMJG convoy. The convoy featured 98 participants and 62 vehicles from various federal and state government agencies including MBPJ, the Information Department and Selangor Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. The programme received support as well from the Harley Davidson Club PJ, which turned up with 10 high-powered motorcycles. Selangor Information Department director Kazidi Mohd Zainudin said Selangor was the fourth state in the KMJG convoy route after Johor, Melaka and Negri Sembilan. The day before, the convoy passed through Sepang district where the baton was handed over by a Negri Sembilan representative to the Selangor counterpart. 'Petaling Jaya is the second checkpoint in Selangor after Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi. 'The next checkpoint is in Sabak Bernam, where residents will welcome the convoy before the baton is passed to the Perak team, the fifth state of the KMJG convoy's journey,' said Kazidi. He added that the campaign's aim was to ignite the patriotic spirit through the flying of the Jalur Gemilang and encouraging everyone to raise the flag at their homes, business premises and on vehicles throughout the National Day period. Mohamad Zahri said the Information Department had approached Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) earlier this month to collaborate. 'We are giving our full support for the flag-off of KMJG. 'Today, we held eight of the 24 programmes lined up under KMJG. 'The programmes covered themes such as nationhood, community, arts, sports and public health,' he said. Among the programme highlights is the International Aikido Shudokan Training Camp on Aug 22, which will attempt a Malaysia Book of Records entry with 1,000 Malaysian women participants. A wide range of National Day-themed activities will take place until Sept 16. In conjunction with Malaysia chairing Asean, the Placemaker Week Asean seminar will also be held from Aug 27 to 30.
