Latest news with #RamleKasin
Barnama
27-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
UPSI-MCB Ink Pact to Boost cocoa Research, Innovation
IPOH, May 27 (Bernama) -- Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in research, product development and training within the country's cocoa industry. In a statement today, UPSI said MCB chairman Datuk Matbali Musah and MCB director-general Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin witnessed the signing ceremony held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu last night in conjunction with the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025. UPSI was represented by its Academic and International Affairs director, Associate Professor Dr Ridzwan Che Rus, who said the MoU, an initiative by UPSI's Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education (FTV), aims to strengthen collaboration in research, product development and training within the country's cocoa industry.
Daily Express
25-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Surge in Sabah cocoa output
Published on: Sunday, May 25, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 25, 2025 Text Size: Members of the public viewing chocolate on display at the fair. KOTA KINABALU: Sabah registered a surge in cocoa production this year driven by rising market prices now reaching RM30,000 per tonne. 'Cocoa demand is increasing and this opens up new economic opportunities, especially for smallholders in Sabah. 'Many are unaware that cocoa is used not only in food but also in production of cosmetics, health, and personal care products,' said Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) Director-General Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin. He said the Government, through the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities and LKM, has intensified efforts to support cocoa growers through incentives, crop rehabilitation and new technologies, with hopes of boosting national production. Sabah was the nation's top cocoa producer in Sabah in the late 1970s and early 1980s, until the crop was affected by disease. They were grown mainly in Tawau. The hosting of MICF 2025 (Malaysia International Cocoa Fair) at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) from May 24 until 27 is seen as a strategic step to strengthen cocoa industry development in East Malaysia. Advertisement It is hoped that it would expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs to penetrate global markets through innovation, networking, and access to international technology. 'With strong global cocoa prices, we are confident that industry players will become more competitive and capable of attracting foreign investment. MICF is the first step toward making Malaysia a world-class cocoa hub,' he said. MICF 2025 is the first platform of its kind to be held in Sabah and gathered more than 160 exhibitors from both local and international sectors, further strengthening Malaysia's position as a key player in the regional cocoa industry. "This is the first time we're organizing MICF in Sabah. It's not just an exhibition, but a strategic effort to bring together all players in the industry — from upstream to downstream — to build business networks and promote innovation in the cocoa sector,' Ramle said. More than 20 per cent of the participants are from international companies, including China, Indonesia, Singapore, Europe, and Africa. 'We expect over 30,000 visitors throughout the four-day event. We've been promoting the event for several months now and are offering various incentives, including a grand prize of a Perodua Axia car, motorcycles, and two ATVs to attract lucky visitors,' Ramle added. The exhibition is open to the public from 10am to 9pm daily and features chocolate-making demonstrations, chocolate-making competitions and a special area showcasing modern cocoa processing machines from European countries such as Italy. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * 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
Daily Express
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Final preparations for Malaysia's first international cocoa fest in Sabah
Published on: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 20, 2025 Text Size: The Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) is finalising preparations for the inaugural Malaysian International Cocoa Festival (MICF) 2025, set to take place from 24 to 27 May at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). Entry is free, and the event will run daily from 10am to 9pm. This landmark festival aims to boost Malaysia's cocoa industry as a key economic contributor and global player, with Sabah chosen as host due to its role in producing over 60 percent of the nation's cocoa. LKM Director General Datuk Dr. Ramle Kasin said the board is targeting a sustained RM15 billion industry value, supported by rising prices, innovation, and strong R&D. MICF 2025 will feature over 150 exhibitors, the Malaysian International Cocoa Conference (MICC), and activities including chocolate-making workshops, family events, and a 'Choco Rush' fitness run. Faizal Tahir will headline entertainment, while a lucky draw offers prizes including a car, ATVs, and a motorcycle. Backed by the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities and the Sabah government, MICF 2025 aims to position Malaysia as a regional cocoa hub. The public is invited to join in celebrating cocoa's journey from farm to premium product. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * 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
New Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Cocoa export doubles to RM15.06bil in 2024
KOTA KINABALU: The cocoa industry recorded an export value of RM15.06 billion last year, said Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) director-general Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin. In 2023, the export value for the commodity was reported at RM8.21 billion. Sabah played a key role, contributing 60 per cent of national cocoa production. Malaysia's major cocoa importers include Singapore, the United States, Japan and several other Asian countries. Ramle said Sabah has an edge over other states due to its use of modern technology, advanced processing methods, effective marketing strategies and attractive packaging. "Most farmers in Sabah are skilled in cocoa cultivation," he added. "Sabah has over 3,000 hectares of cocoa plantations, cultivated by about 3,000 cocoa farmers in areas such as Ranau, Tenom, Kota Marudu, Keningau, and Kuamut. "The state also produces high-quality human capital to manage cocoa production and related industries. "Additionally, we have a significant advantage in terms of high-quality planting materials," he said during the MCB Media Appreciation Night held at a hotel here last night. The price of cocoa has tripled from RM8,000 per tonne in 2023 to between RM20,000 and RM35,000 per tonne in 2024. "Although the price fluctuates, it remains attractive at around RM20 per kilogramme of dried cocoa," he said. "This is a strong motivation for existing cocoa growers and an incentive to attract new ones." Although weather remains a challenge affecting yields, Ramle said MCB has developed quality planting materials that can adapt to local climates and changing weather conditions. The board has also conducted research and development to improve planting materials and fertilisers, and has ventured into Internet of Things (IoT) applications to boost productivity and reduce reliance on manual labour. "With current returns, many estates are returning to cocoa cultivation, which will further expand the sector," he added. MCB chairman Datuk Matbali Musah said several countries including those from Europe, Japan, and the Asian region have confirmed their participation in the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair 2025, scheduled to be held from May 24 to 27 at the Sabah International Convention Centre here. "This programme will help boost Malaysia's image globally, and we are proud that Sabah will be the host," he said.
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.
