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New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia, Ghana explore kenaf industry collaboration
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has expressed strong commitment to enhancing international cooperation in sustainable agricommodities through a new partnership with Ghana, with a focus on developing the kenaf industry. Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said this followed the official visit of Ghana's Volta Regional Minister James Gunu to the Plantation and Commodities Ministry. "Malaysia values this opportunity to share our experience in developing kenaf, a sustainable fibre crop introduced in 2010 as an alternative to tobacco," Johari said in a Facebook post today. "Under the National Agricommodity Policy 2021–2030 (DAKN2030), kenaf is recognised as a high-impact commodity aligned with our circular economy and green development goals," he added. Though still in its early stages, Johari said the kenaf industry holds strong potential across key sectors such as biocomposites, construction, pulp and paper, and automotive manufacturing. He noted that through the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (NKTB), the ministry is implementing comprehensive strategies to strengthen every stage of the value chain, from cultivation to market access. "We sincerely appreciate Ghana's keen interest in Malaysia's kenaf journey, and we look forward to deeper collaboration in promoting sustainable and innovation-driven agricommodities for the benefit of both nations," he said.
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.
Malay Mail
27-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Kenaf industry in Malaysia poised to thrive with five-year roadmap, says plantation minister
KOTA BHARU, April 27 — 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. He was speaking to reporters after officiating the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board 2025 Appreciation Ceremony here today. Johari also emphasised the need for a clear five-year plan with defined targets to secure the long-term growth and resilience of the industry. — Bernama
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Kenaf industry lacks full ecosystem, govt to learn from Bangladesh and China
Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah KOTA BARU: Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said today the government plans to send the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN) board of directors to kenaf-exporting countries to study the crop's processing methods and related industries. He said the move, part of a five-year plan, would provide justification for LKTN to remain the lead agency to develop the kenaf industry. "If a commodity does not have a successful ecosystem, it will not succeed. Kenaf still does not have a complete ecosystem. Furthermore, the land currently planted with kenaf is small — about 1,600 hectares. "To succeed in the kenaf industry, we need strong support, particularly in terms of land, processing factories, and a clear target for the types of products to be produced from kenaf," he added. Speaking to reporters after launching two new varieties — Malaysia Kenaf 1 (MK1) and Malaysia Kenaf 2 (MK2) here today, Johari said kenaf has the potential to be turned into many different products, but success would require specific skills. "Without the necessary skills, it will be difficult. I have made several suggestions to the Kenaf Board, including learning from the success stories of palm oil, rubber, and cocoa — commodities that have become major national exports. "One of the suggestions is to send LKTN's board of directors to countries such as Bangladesh and China, where kenaf production and processing are more established," he added. Johari said Bangladesh and China mainly focus on simple kenaf processing but have successfully built strong industries around it. "Kenaf has not yet reached the level of palm oil, rubber, or cocoa, so we need to learn more to develop and promote the industry. "Through these visits, we can understand the processes and skills involved and adapt them locally," he said. Johari added that the ministry is awaiting a presentation from the Kenaf Board's director-general before finalising the visit plans. Also present at the event were Plantation and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof and LKTN chairman Datuk Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah.
