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Daily Express
24-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Malaysia's record cocoa export due to Sabah: 3,000 farmers, 3,000 hectares and RM15.06 billion export values
Published on: Thursday, April 24, 2025 Published on: Thu, Apr 24, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Matbali (third, left) presenting a certificate of appreciation to Daily Express reporter Jonathan Nicholas while Ramle looks on. Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia's cocoa industry has seen a surge in international demand, with export values hitting a record RM15.06 billion last year, three times that of the previous year. This growth is largely attributed to the quality of Malaysian cocoa products and strong international demand, with key markets including Singapore, the United States, Japan and other Asian countries, says the Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM). Its Director-General Datuk Ramle Kasin said last year's export figure was RM6.86 billion or 83.66pc more than the RM8.2 billion recorded in 2023. 'This spike in exports is also supported by a significant rise in cocoa prices, which have more than tripled from RM8,000 per tonne in 2023 to between RM20,000 and RM35,000 per tonne this year,' he told reporters at an LKM event here. He added that the demand was driven by a combination of factors, including high-quality cocoa production, modern processing technologies, effective marketing strategies and a skilled workforce. He said Sabah, in particular, played a pivotal role in this success, accounting for over 60pc of the nation's cocoa output. The State boasts around 3,000 cocoa farmers across 3,000 hectares, particularly in regions such as Ranau, Tenom, Kota Marudu, Keningau and Kuamut. Despite fluctuating market prices, the cocoa industry in Malaysia remains profitable, with prices holding steady at around RM20 per kg. However, he said, the industry faces challenges from unpredictable weather, which could potentially disrupt crop yields. To mitigate these risks, LKM is implementing a variety of research and development (R&D) initiatives, including the use of suitable fertilisers and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled fertigation (applying fertilisers through irrigation) technology to reduce reliance on manual labour and improve crop yields. Looking ahead, he said the upcoming Malaysia International Cocoa Festival (MICF) in Sabah is set to further elevate the state's profile as a key player in the global cocoa industry. The event, scheduled for May, will attract participants from across Europe, Japan and Asia, providing a platform to promote Malaysian cocoa and foster collaborations with international industry players. The festival is expected to showcase the latest innovations, products, technologies and market opportunities within the cocoa sector. LKM Chairman Datuk Matbali Musah expressed gratitude to the Sabah Government and the federal Plantation and Commodities Ministry for their support in funding the event. 'The MICF will be an important milestone in positioning Sabah as a global hub for the cocoa industry,' he said. He said as the country's cocoa exports continue to thrive, Malaysia's ability to maintain a competitive edge in the global market rests on its commitment to quality, innovation and sustainable growth in the sector. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
22-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
LKM stresses storytelling as key to cocoa industry growth
Matbali, LKM Director-General Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin, SJA President Mariah Doksil, invited guests and the media practitioners during the dinner last night. KOTA KINABALU (April 22): The Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) believes that the development of the cocoa industry is not solely about export and production figures, but also about building a compelling narrative. LKM Director-General Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin said the narrative of hope, resilience, innovation and community impact must be widely shared. 'In this regard, we view the collaboration between LKM and the media not merely as a communication need, but as a strategic plan that must be developed together — sharing stories and news content that can holistically advance the nation's cocoa industry. 'In terms of export and production achievements, I'm pleased to share that the cocoa sector continues to grow and has recorded positive performance,' he said at the Media and Strategic Partners Appreciation Night here yesterday. He said that in 2024, Malaysia recorded export earnings of RM15.06 billion, showing an increase of RM6.86 billion — an 83.66 percent rise compared to RM8.20 billion in 2023. Local cocoa production also saw an increase, with a total of 445.37 metric tonnes. As such, he said this year LKM is planning more high-impact communication initiatives, particularly in the lead-up to the Malaysia International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025, which will be held in Sabah. 'We want Malaysia's cocoa story to be told not only to the people of Malaysia but also on the global stage, and we are confident that only through close collaboration with the media can this be achieved. 'LKM also welcomes proposals from the media for collaborative efforts such as journalism workshops related to the cocoa industry, media familiarisation programs, and joint publications of special features. We are ready to listen, discuss and act,' he said. Meanwhile, Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president Mariah Doksil said that in Malaysia, media practitioners carry a significant responsibility as the role of journalists is to report accurate, verified and responsible information to the public. 'Looking at LKM's perspective, in my view, an industry's story is not just about reporting numbers. Not all media content is based on export and production statistics. 'For those of us in the creative industry, storytelling can come from many angles. 'Stories about cocoa plantations and bean production, we may often read about them in print or watch them on electronic media but if we delve deeper into the lives of communities around the plantations, stories of youth returning to their villages to work on cocoa farms, innovation and technological adaptation in remote areas, and grassroots stories from the cocoa downstream sector … these are all stories of great value,' she said. According to her, such stories are not only of interest to the local community but also serve as a joint effort to place Sabah on the radar of investors and global industry players. She said SJA is ready to continue offering support, whether through coverage or storytelling, to add value to the cocoa industry in the state. 'We also welcome the organisation of the Malaysia International Cocoa Fair 2025, which will be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) next month. 'Undoubtedly, a world-class platform such as this will bring wide-ranging benefits to the local economy and the people at large,' she said.
