Latest news with #LKTN
New Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Malaysia urged to strengthen tobacco licensing and enforcement
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's top tobacco control group is urging local authorities to step up checks on licensed businesses selling tobacco products. Backed by the Local Government Act 1976, the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) said local councils must enforce business compliance with regulations set by national agencies, including the Health Ministry and the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN). MCTC president Dr M. Murallitharan said that since 2022, all tobacco retailers in Malaysia are required to be licensed by LKTN and to display the permit prominently as part of stricter measures to curb illicit sales. "This measure is crucial to curb the sale of illicit tobacco products that have disrupted the legal market and caused significant economic losses," he said in a statement. MCTC is a non-governmental coalition of health professionals and public health advocates working to promote tobacco control policies, support enforcement, and protect young people from tobacco and nicotine products. Dr Murallitharan also urged local authorities to enforce regulations, including mandatory "No Smoking" signs, a ban on displaying smoking products at sales counters, and restrictions on marketing to minors. Councils must strengthen enforcement by making public health rules a core condition of business licences, helping to reduce overlap with other agencies, he said. Dr Murallitharan also said all local councils should take proactive steps to review and tighten their licensing terms, incorporating relevant legal and regulatory requirements to support national efforts to protect consumers and public health.
Barnama
28-04-2025
- Science
- Barnama
Nuclear Agency, LKTN Unveil New High-yield Kenaf Varieties
KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Nuclear Agency, in collaboration with the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN), has introduced two new kenaf seed varieties, MK1 and MK2, offering higher yields and greater resilience against climate change. In a statement, the agency said the varieties were developed through research and development (R&D) using gamma irradiation technology, with MK1 irradiated at 300 Gray (Gy) and MK2 at 800 Gy. The induced mutation method was used to improve kenaf's agronomic traits, making the crop more productive and climate-resilient. 'MK1 and MK2 have shown significant yield improvements over the V36 variety, which has been cultivated in Malaysia for over 15 years. Field trials at LKTN's plot in Beseri, Perlis recorded fresh stalk yields between 24 and 32 tonnes per hectare .- a 20 to 60 per cent increase compared to V36's 20 to 25 tonnes per hectare," the statement said. Both varieties also feature distinctive characteristics, including palm-shaped leaves and MK1's fully light-yellow flower petals, making them easily identifiable. The launch was officiated by Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani at an event held in Kelantan yesterday. Also present were the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof, LKTN chairman Datuk Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah, and Malaysian Nuclear Agency director-general Dr Rosli Darmawan. The agency said the MK name stands for 'Malaysia Kenaf', reinforcing the local identity as part of efforts to strengthen the national kenaf industry. MK1 and MK2 have also received official recognition with Protection of New Plant Varieties (PVBT) approval from the Department of Agriculture Malaysia, under filings PVBT 003/25 and PVBT 004/25 respectively.
The Star
28-04-2025
- Science
- The Star
Two new kenaf varieties with higher yields developed
KOTA BARU: Two new varieties of kenaf, a plant with numerous industrial uses, have been developed in Malaysia that have higher yields and are more climate resilient, say two government agencies. Named as Malaysia Kenaf 1 (MK1) and Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2), the two varieties were developed by the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia), in collaboration with the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN). Dr Rosli Darmawan of Nuklear Malaysia explained that the seeds of MK1 were exposed to 300 Gray (Gy) of gamma radiation, while Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2) received 800 Gy, a process known as induced mutation, to enhance their agronomic traits. Both MK1 and MK2 produce significantly higher yields compared to the V36 variety, which has been planted for over 15 years in Malaysia, said Rosli, Nuklear Malaysia's director-general. 'Field trials conducted at LKTN's Beseri plantation in Perlis recorded wet stem yields ranging between 24 and 32 tonnes per hectare, an increase of 20% to 60% compared to the V36's current yield of 20 to 25 tonnes per hectare,' he said in a statement, Bernama reported. The new strains also have distinctive physical features. For instance, the flowers of MK1 have pale yellow petals and palmate leaves, which facilitate identification and field management. Both varieties have been officially registered with the Agriculture Department, he added.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Science
- New Straits Times
Malaysia launches new kenaf seed varieties to boost resilience and yield
KOTA BARU: The Malaysian Nuclear Agency, in collaboration with the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN), has launched two new kenaf seed varieties that offer higher yield potential and stronger resilience against climate change. The new varieties, namely Malaysia Kenaf 1 (MK1) and Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2), were launched by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani at a hotel here today. Also present at the event were Plantation and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof, LKTN chairman Datuk Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah, and Malaysian Nuclear Agency director-general Dr Rosli Darmawan. Speaking to reporters later, Rosli said MK1 and MK2 are the result of research and development (R&D) using gamma irradiation technology, with MK1 produced through exposure to a 300 Gray (Gy) dose and MK2 at 800 Gy. "The induced mutation technique was employed to enhance the agronomic traits of kenaf, making the plants more climate-resilient and capable of producing higher yields. "MK1 and MK2 demonstrated significant yield improvements compared with the parent variety V36, which has been used in Malaysia for over 15 years," he added. He said trials conducted at LKTN's Beseri plot in Perlis showed that the estimated fresh stalk weight ranged between 24 and 32 tonnes per hectare — an increase of 20 to 60 per cent compared with the current V36 yield of between 20 and 25 tonnes per hectare. "Beyond the superior yield potential, both varieties exhibit distinctive physical traits, including palmate-shaped leaves and, in the case of MK1, fully light yellow flower petals, making them easily identifiable in the field. "MK1 and MK2 have received official recognition through the approval of the New Plant Variety Filing (PVBT) from the Department of Agriculture Malaysia, under filing numbers PVBT 003/25 (MK1) and PVBT 004/25 (MK2). "The 'MK' designation stands for 'Malaysia Kenaf', reinforcing local identity in the effort to empower the national kenaf industry," he added. Rosli said the development of these new varieties aligns with the objectives of the National Nuclear Technology Policy (DTNN) 2030, which promotes the application of nuclear technology in non-energy sectors such as agriculture and biotechnology to support socio-economic progress and national sustainability. The initiative also supports the goals of the National Agri-Commodity Policy (DAKN) 2021–2030 to strengthen the country's agri-commodity sector through science and technological innovation. "This strategic collaboration highlights the potential of nuclear technology in agriculture, particularly in developing more resilient and productive crop varieties, in line with government efforts to bolster food security and sustainable farming amid climate change challenges. "The Malaysian Nuclear Agency remains committed to advancing nuclear technology for the benefit of the people, industry, and national economy. This approach not only broadens the peaceful use of nuclear technology but also strengthens public confidence in its contributions to daily life, particularly in the areas of food security, health, and environmental sustainability," he added.
Barnama
27-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Kenaf Industry Set To Thrive For Over Five Years With Strategic Planning
KOTA BHARU, April 27 (Bernama) -- The kenaf industry is poised to endure for more than five years and compete alongside palm oil, rubber and cocoa industries, through a robust strategic plan in development, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. He stated that his ministry is collaborating with the director-general and officials from the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN) to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the industry. 'To strengthen the kenaf sector, we must identify leading producers, engage with farmers, and boost the value-added products derived from kenaf to 60 per cent, ensuring they are recognised as Malaysian-made goods,' he noted.
