AGRO-INDUSTRY IN MALAYSIA

[Rainbow_DASH]

Sasar jualan RM300j
MOHD. ASRON MUSTAPHA
25 Ogos 2016 1:22 AM



AHMAD SHABERY CHEEK bersama para penaja selepas melancarkan countdown

KUALA LUMPUR 24 Ogos - Pameran Antarabangsa Pertanian, Hortikultur dan Agro Pelancongan Malaysia (MAHA) 2016 yang akan berlangsung selama 11 hari dari 1 hingga 11 Disember ini disasarkan bakal mencatatkan hasil jualan sehingga RM300 juta.

Menteri Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek berkata, sasaran RM300 juta itu tidak termasuk sebarang perjanjian perdagangan sama ada domestik atau antarabangsa yang akan ditandatangani semasa pemeran berlangsung.

Katanya, sasaran RM300 juta iaitu peningkatan sebanyak RM150 juta berbanding edisi 2014 itu diyakini mampu dicapai kerana pelbagai ‘kejutan’ baharu akan dipertontonkan kepada pelabur-pelabur asing, pemain industri pertanian serta orang awam.

Malah katanya, sehingga kini lebih 90 peratus daripada 1,500 gerai habis ditempah pemain industri pertanian, termasuk oleh 18 buah negara asing, sekali gus menjadikan MAHA 2016 merupakan pameran industri asas tani terbesar di rantau ini.

“Kita menjanjikan MAHA 2016 ini penuh dengan warna-warni serta berlainan berbanding edisi terdahulu. Sasarannya ialah sekurang-kurang tiga juta pe*ngunjung hadir dengan segmen orang muda bakal menjadi tarikan utama untuk edisi kali ini.

“Bagi tujuan itu, kami akan mengoptimumkan sepenuhnya tempoh pameran dengan pengisian menarik di sebelah malam akan dipertontonkan kepada orang ramai,” katanya dalam sidang akhbar selepas melancarkan Countdown 99 hari MAHA 2016 di Tapak Ekspo Pertanian Malaysia (MAEPS) di Serdang, di sini hari ini.

Bertemakan Our Food Our Future, MAHA 2016 yang turut disertai antaranya China, Jepun, Sepanyol, Kanada, Australia, Iran, Afrika Selatan, Korea Selatan, Ecuador dan Pakistan itu akan dirasmikan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Menyentuh mengenai isu keselamatan berikutan ancaman semasa, Ahmad Shabery berkata, pihaknya akan berkerjasama dengan polis bagi memastikan saringan serta tahap kawalan dapat dipertingkatkan tanpa mengurangkan kemeriahan pameran.

Beliau berkata, pihaknya yakin dengan keupayaan pasukan keselamatan negara untuk memastikan MAHA 2016 berlangsung dalam keadaan terbaik tanpa sebarang insiden tidak diingini

.

Lagi Artikel
- See more at: http://m.utusan.com.my/berita/nasion....VWHWZvKO.dpuf

[Rainbow_DASH]

Utusan Online/Berita/Nasional/
RISDA bakal keluarkan serum kosmetik berasaskan getah
26 Ogos 2016 4:52 PM


Zahidi Zainul Abidin bersama Pengarah Risda Kedah, Ahmad Bahari (kiri) menyampaikan bantuan khas kejatuhan harga getah kepada para pekebun kecil di majlis Kasihi Pekebun Peringkat Negeri Kedah 2016 dan perasmian Pusat Servis Tayar Risda Fleet di Kompleks Bersepadu Risda Pokok Sena hari ini. - UTUSAN/ISMAIL KAMADIN

ALOR SETAR 26 Ogos - Pihak Berkuasa Kemajuan Pekebun Kecil Perusahaan Getah (RISDA) bakal mengeluarkan serum berasaskan getah untuk digunakan dalam penghasilan produk kosmetik.

Pengerusinya, Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin berkata, kajian telah dijalankan bersama Lembaga Getah Malaysia terhadap pengeluaran protein daripada pokok getah yang boleh dijadikan serum dan dijangka mampu meningkatkan pendapatan penoreh tiga kali ganda berbanding sekarang.

"Kita hampir siapkan serum ini dan projek hiliran yang diwujudkan oleh RISDA ini adalah untuk membantu meningkatkan harga getah yang berdepan dengan ketidakstabilan harga," katanya kepada pemberita selepas Majlis Kasihi Pekebun dan Perasmian Pusat Servis Tayar Risda Fleet Sdn. Bhd. di sini, hari ini.

Dalam pada itu, Zahidi berkata, dalam usaha membantu pekebun kecil, RISDA turut mencari pendekatan baharu misalnya mewujudkan Pusat Servis Tayar Risda Fleet yang pertama di Pokok Sena untuk melahirkan lebih ramai usahawan dalam kalangan pekebun kecil.

"Di pusat servis ini, harga tayar yang ditawarkan 20 peratus lebih murah berbanding harga pasaran di luar. Kita turut menjual alat ganti kereta dan minyak hitam dengan harga lebih murah kerana kita ingin membantu meringakan bebanan golongan yang kurang berkemampuan," katanya.

Kerajaan katanya, telah memperuntukkan RM40 juta setahun bagi membantu RISDA mengembangkan lagi perniagaan yang ingin diceburi pekebun kecil.

"RISDA mempunyai program usahawan yang mana sebanyak RM20,000 hingga RM50,000 geran akan diberikan. Seramai 11,000 usahawan telah berjaya dilahirkan oleh RISDA merangkumi pelbagai perniagaan," katanya.

Terdahulu, Zahidi menyampaikan Bantuan Khas Kejatuhan Harga Getah sebanyak RM500 seorang kepada 300 penerima, terdiri daripada pekebun kecil dan penoreh getah bagi meringankan bebanan yang ditanggung mereka susulan kejatuhan harga getah di pasaran.

"Jumlah keseluruhan bantuan yang diperuntukan bagi Kedah adalah sebanyak RM33.56 juta dan diharap ia dapat meringankan bebanan pekebun kecil dan penoreh getah yang terlibat," katanya. - BERNAMA

- See more at: http://www.utusan.com.my/berita/nasi....gcsRc4Y6.dpuf

[Rainbow_DASH]

Pusat proses koko guna pengeringan solar termal dalam perancangan: Siringan
27th August, 2016

KOTA KINABALU: Sebuah pusat pemprosesan koko menggunakan teknologi pengeringan solar termal, yang dapat memproses biji koko dengan lebih bersih dan mengurangkan jangka masa proses pengeringannya, kini dalam perancangan untuk dibangunkan di Kampung Napong Dua, dalam Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Paginatan, Ranau.

Projek ini, yang diperuntukkan geran pembangunan berjumlah RM270,000 di bawah Program Inovasi Sosial (MSI) Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi (MOSTI) bagi tahun 2016, dilaksanakan oleh SIRIM Berhad dengan kerjasama Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) Napong Dua.

Para pegawai penyelidik daripada Pusat Penyelidikan Tenaga Diperbaharui SIRIM Berhad, yang diketuai oleh Konsultannya Nik Marzuriani Nik Mohamed, telah melawat kawasan yang dicadangkan sebagai tapak pembinaan pusat pemprosesan itu di kampung tersebut pada Rabu lalu.

Nik Marzuriani turut memaklumkan perkara ini kepada Menteri Pembangunan Sumber dan Kemajuan Teknologi Maklumat (KPSKTM) yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (Adun) Paginatan, Datuk Siringan Gubat, semasa mengetuai kunjungan hormat ke pejabat Menteri di Wisma Bandaraya, di sini, pada Khamis.

Menurut Nik Marzuriani, teknologi pengeringan solar termal yang akan digunakan di pusat pemprosesan koko yang bakal didirikan itu berupaya beroperasi dengan lebih bersih dan menyingkatkan masa proses pengeringan biji koko, berbanding teknologi pemprosesan koko yang digunakan di Ranau sehingga kini.

Penggunaan teknologi baru ini sudah pasti akan meningkatkan lagi kualiti dan kuantiti pengeluaran biji koko di daerah Ranau, dan juga Sabah, kata Nik Marzuriani yang turut berterima kasih di atas kerjasama yang diberikan oleh Siringan dan ahli-ahli JKKK Kampung Napong Dua.

Nik Marzuriani berkata projek di Kg Napong Dua itu merupakan satu daripada 11 projek yang dicadangkan oleh SIRIM Berhad iaitu salah sebuah agensi di bawah MOSTI, dan telah diluluskan oleh kementerian untuk dilaksanakan di bawah Program MSI 2016, dengan peruntukkan dana berjumlah RM2,640,000.

“Sebenarnya, dua daripada 11 projek-projek di bawah Program MSI 2016 itu dilaksanakan di Ranau. Selain projek di Kampung Napong Dua itu, SIRM Berhad juga melaksanakan projek Sistem Pengkomposan Sisa Sayuran dan Sisa Kebun di daerah tersebut, melibatkan peruntukan dana sebanyak RM200,000, dengan kerjasama Jabatan Pertanian Ranau,” katanya.

Siringan menghargai sumbangan SIRIM Berhad dan MOSTI kepada pembangunan berterusan industri koko di Ranau, khususnya dan Sabah secara amnya, yakin kewujudan pusat pemprosesan koko berteknologi terkini itu bukan sahaja akan meningkatkan kualiti dan kuantiti pengeluaran biji koko tapi menggalakkan lebih ramai menanam koko.

Beliau turut mencadangkan agar SIRIM Berhad membangunkan pusat pemprosesan lada hitam yang menggunakan teknologi tekini di Ranau, memandangkan semakin ramai penduduk di daerah itu dan sekitarnya menanam lada hitam pada skala yang besar.

“Industri lada hitam semakin mendapatkan tempat dikalangan penduduk Ranau dan sekitarnya, semakin hari semakin ramai penduduk melibatkan diri dalam penanaman lada hitam, jadi saya cadangkan agar pihak SIRIM Berhad dan MOSTI dapat membantu dari segi pewujudan pusat pemprosesan lada hitam berteknologi terkini sama seperti yang akan dibangunkan untuk industri koko di Kg Napong Dua,” katanya. – Oleh Marryan Razan ([email protected])

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/9086

[Rainbow_DASH]

Local
Mangrove crab eggs breakthrough by UMS’ BMRI
27th August, 2016
By MARRYAN RAZAN [email protected]

KOTA KINABALU: Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) of the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) here has successfully produced eggs of the mangrove crab species (Scylla Tranquebarica).

BMRI director Prof Dr Rossita Shapawi said the breakthrough was made in April this year after continuous research was done since 2012.

She said that this is significant for the aquaculture and fisheries industries as these eggs will be able to produce crab farming on a commercial scale.

“These eggs through crab farming will also be able to increase the natural supply of mangrove crabs as we would no longer solely depend on them,” Dr Rossita told the media here yesterday.

She said that UMS will continue doing a variety of researches related to mangrove crab eggs which will include a collaboration with Tokyo University of Marine Science & Technology.

Also present were BMRI deputy director Prof Madya Dr Sitti Raehanah Muhamad Shaleh and BMRI shrimp hatchery manager-cum-UMS head researcher & senior lecturer Dr Annita Yong Seok Kian.

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/9111

[Rainbow_DASH]

Utusan Online/Berita/Nasional/
Sistem khas kesan tahap kesihatan lembu import - Kamarudin
30 Ogos 2016 5:18 PM

SEPANG 30 Ogos - Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar (JPV) akan membangunkan satu sistem khas untuk mengesan lembu import, khususnya dari Thailand, bagi memastikan ianya selamat dan bebas daripada sebarang penyakit.

Ketua Pengarahnya, Datuk Dr. Kamarudin Md. Isa berkata, sistem itu dapat mengenal pasti tahap kesihatan lembu melalui pemeriksaan implan yang ditanam di bahagian leher haiwan itu.

Beliau berkata, perkara itu dicadangkan oleh pihak berkuasa veterinar Thailand semasa mesyuarat kedua-dua negara di Langkawi, Kedah baru-baru ini, yang memohon Malaysia supaya membangunkan sistem berkenaan.

"Setiap lembu yang diimplan menunjukkan ternakan itu telah melalui proses pemeriksaan yang ketat dan dikuarantin oleh pihak Thailand, sekali gus mengesahkannya bebas daripada sebarang penyakit termasuk penyakit kuku dan mulut.

"Selain memudahkan pemeriksaan kesihatan terhadap lembu, sistem ini juga membantu menangani kemasukan ternakan itu secara haram ke negara ini," katanya pada sidang akhbar di sini hari ini.

Terdahulu, beliau merasmikan Seminar Kesedaran Awam Mengenai Penggunaan Antibiotik Dalam Penternakan Ayam di Makmal Kesihatan Awam Veterinar, Salak Tinggi di sini.

Dalam pada itu, Kamarudin meminta semua pihak supaya memahami kepentingan penggunaan antibiotik dalam penternakan ayam, yang antara lainnya bertujuan menjamin kualiti dan rintangan kawalan penyakit ternakan itu.

Beliau berkata, JPV sentiasa melakukan pemeriksaan ke atas ladang ternakan ayam komersil bagi memastikan pengusaha mematuhi peraturan penggunaan antibiotik, selain melakukan program pemantauan kehadiran bakteria dalam daging ayam di rumah sembelihan. - BERNAMA

- See more at: http://www.utusan.com.my/berita/nasi....xolFugRF.dpuf

[Rainbow_DASH]

Malaysia appoints representative for CPOPC
30 AUGUST 2016 @ 6:55 PM
BY OOI TEE CHING


Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong with Indonesia’s Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan after the he chairs a Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) meeting. Pix by Mohd Fadli Hamzah

PUTRAJAYA: Palm Oil Refiners Association of Malaysia chief executive officer Mohammad Jaaffar Ahmad has been appointed as Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) deputy executive director.

“Jaaffar will represent Malaysia and he will assume the position of deputy executive director in CPOPC. He will be based in Jakarta,” said Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong.

“We will appoint the other two representatives in a couple of weeks. They will be tasked with taking care of smallholders interests and global palm oil stock management,” the minister added.

“We hope to accelerate the operations of the secretariat soon. The next CPOPC meeting will be in Jakarta in a few months time,” he told reporters after chairing a CPOPC meeting here today.

Also present was Indonesia’s Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

Earlier this month, the Indonesian government appointed Benny Wachyudi as the CPOPC executive director. The secretariat structure is such that four directors will report to the executive director and his deputy; two from Indonesia and two from Malaysia.

So far, Indonesia has appointed Fadhil Hasan the CPOPC director in charge of standards and sustainably issues. His responsibilities mainly lies in harmonising the certification criteria of the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) and Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO).

Luhut said Indonesia has yet to officially name the director for Green Economic Zone development.

Last year, the governments of Indonesia and Malaysia initiated the CPOPC as a common platform to promote palm oil and neutralise trade barriers as both nations collectively produce 85 per cent of the world’s consumption of this basic cooking ingredient.

There are some some 10 million small farmers tending to oil palms across the equatorial belt of the globe.

Indonesia and Malaysia supply an annual 50 million tonnes of palm cooking oil as a kitchen staple among billions of people living in China, India and other developing nations.

Luhut expressed strong convictions for Indonesia and Malaysia to step up co-operation to dismantle increasing trade barriers hampering palm oil exports and future growth.

Apart from Indonesia and Malaysia, oil palms are also cultivated across Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Central and West Africa and Latin America -- all of which are developing countries in the humid tropics.

Essentially, Luhut said CPOPC membership, under government-to-government framework, is open to all oil palm cultivating countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Thailand, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Uganda.

In raising palm oil usage, Luhut said Indonesia will execute a biodiesel mandate of B20. Malaysia aspires to be on the same footing by raising biodiesel mandate from B7 to B10.

Mah said he and his team are discussing the issue of engine warranty endorsement with automotive manufacturers. Malaysia is serious about rolling out the B10 mandate as this would mop up 750,000 tonnes of palm oil stocks per year. Mah believes in the usage of renewable fuel, which is far more eco-friendly than burning depleting fossil fuel.

Jaaffar, who was also present at the media briefing, expressed appreciation to Mah for his confidence in him to take on this international posting in Jakarta, for the next three years. He pledged to do his best in serving all stakeholders throughout the palm oil value chain.

Selanjutnya di : http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/08/1...tive-cpopc?m=1

[Rainbow_DASH]

Home / Sabah Local News
Food Production Park: Six in S'kan sign agreement
Published on: Sunday, September 04, 2016

Sandakan: A total of six agro-entrepreneurs signed a land rental agreement with the State Government under the Permanent Food Production Park (PFPP) programme, here, Saturday.

State Agriculture Director Idrus Shafie said the signing made Sandakan the second district for the implementation of PFPP under the State Agriculture Department, after Tawau in 2010.

"Each participant will be given 15 acres at Sg Koyah, Kinabatangan which will be planted with high quality jackfruit.

"It is hoped the fruits will be able to generate an income of about RM4,000 per month for them," he said after the signing ceremony.

According to him, the entrepreneurs will rent the land for at least five years and under the 10th and 11th Malaysia Plan, five PFPPs have been planned to be established, including in Tawau, Sandakan, Putatan and Ranau.

"The plants in PFPPs are focused on the ones that have market value domestically as well as for export," he said.

As such, he said the Agriculture Department remains committed to focus on three types of food like paddy, fruits and vegetables as well as cash crops.

"To date, there are about 35,000 hectares with food crops, including paddy, vegetables and fruits, in Sabah.

"The department also focuses on the involvement of youths who really want to achieve success in the agricultural sector," he said.

The first PFPP in Tawau involved 96 hectares and it was participated by 57 people.

Vegetables were planted in the PFPP. Also present were Assistant Agriculture Director Jifrin Mohamad and Kinabatangan Agriculture Officer Awang Walit, among others.

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=112574

[Rainbow_DASH]

Business News
Home > Business > Business News
Monday, 5 September 2016
Malaysia expected to export 130 tonnes of edible bird’s nest


“Only about 25% of edible bird’s nest production is going for further process value adding whereas about 50% goes under raw, unclean and 25% raw, clean. We’re trying to increase the 25% to 50% to make it value adding for more income and to penetrate more markets,” he told a press conference after the Swiftlet Eco Park Group 12th anniversary dinner.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia produces some 350 metric tonnes of edible bird’s nest annually and around 130 tonnes are expected to be exported by the end of this year, said Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) deputy director-general (Veterinary Health) Datuk Dr Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan Nizam.

“The edible bird’s nest industry is growing and last year itself, the country has exported 105 tonnes of edible bird’s nest to various countries.

“We’re exporting some 12 metric tonnes in the form of raw, clean to China. We have a programme in progress where we’re trying to export raw, unclean to China.

“Only about 25% of edible bird’s nest production is going for further process value adding whereas about 50% goes under raw, unclean and 25% raw, clean. We’re trying to increase the 25% to 50% to make it value adding for more income and to penetrate more markets,” he told a press conference after the Swiftlet Eco Park Group 12th anniversary dinner.

Dr Quaza added that the Middle East, US and Europe differed from the Chinese market so industry players have to look at different ways of selling their products rather than just looking at raw, clean and raw unclean edible bird’s nests. The value of edible bird’s nest now is around RM7,000 per kg.

Dr Quaza stressed that all swiftlet farming premises were registered in the DVS system and a full traceability system is in place to ensure the bird’s nests from Malaysia are of good quality and can be traced to the bird house it came from.

“For example, when we export the bird’s nest to other countries, it has a special sticker with a pin number and a code which can be scanned and traced to its source.

“We want to ensure the importance of food safety from the farm to the table,” Dr Quaza said. Deputy Agricultural and Agro-Based Industries Minister Anthony Nogeh Gumbek, who was also present, said the bird’s nest industry is recognised as one of the high value industries and the Government has placed it under one of the entry point projects of the Economic Transformation Programme.

“We want to produce bird’s nests which are acceptable by any standard in any country and we want to value add it.

“We don’t just sell raw clean or raw unclean bird nest, you process it to downstream products where you can get more return from it,” he said, adding that Government has spent almost RM8mil for research funding to assist the industry to expand the product range.

http://www.thestar.com.my/business/b...le-birds-nest/

[Rainbow_DASH]

Sabah
Musa impressed with milk production
September 7, 2016, Wednesday


Musa (left) and Ali looking at the dairy cattle during the visit to the KILC yesterday.

KENINGAU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman was happy with the success of the Keningau Integrated Livestock Centre (KILC) in raising its milk production from between 3.63 and 8.48 litres per cattle daily in 2014 to between 15 and 17 litres per day this year.

Musa said if the average production was maintained, KILC could meet its production target of 8,000 litres per day by the end of this year.

“I believe the KILC management, especially the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), will make Sabah a leading producer state for dairy milk, dairy products and beef in the country and in Southeast Asia,” he said this when delivering his message to the KILC management during his visit to the project yesterday.

Musa said if the high-impact project which began operations in 2013 proceeded as planned, it would benefit the people through employment opportunities and boost the economy of Sook and Keningau districts.

He said the project launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on June 16, 2012, was one of the long-term strategic projects under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) to produce a breed of dairy cattle of high quality in Sabah with the vision of making KILC the production centre between the central dairy cattle and beef in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

“On this day, SEDIA members and I visit KILC to make sure and see for ourselves that this project is implemented properly, efficiently and effectively to achieve it objectives.

“I believe the KILC management, especially SEDIA, will be able to transform Sabah into a major producer of dairy cattle, dairy cattle products and beef in our country and the Southeast Asia region,” he said.

Musa, who is also SEDIA chairman, added this would in turn, benefit the people by opening up employment opportunities and improving their economy.

He said a large dairy farm management like KILC required skilled manpower to ensure optimum farm operation.

“We also took note of a number of constraints and challenges faced by the KILC management.

“I appeal to the youth, especially in Sook and Keningau, to take this opportunity to acquire knowledge and training in the field of cattle farming,” he said.

Musa believed that based on the KILC’s achievement, KILC would be able to attract more investors, including the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA), which has high confidence to participate in achieving the goals of this centre.

He also thanked the KILC management, a group of experts and SEDIA for the success of the centre.

He said all this was the result of hard work, commitment and dedication of the management, experts and all those involved in the development of KILC.

“We hope KILC will be able become the largest dairy product manufacturer, not only in Sabah but also in the country as well as Southeast Asia region.

Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and the Chief Secretary to the government, Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa, State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman, State Police Commissioner Dato Abdul Rashid Harun, SEDIA Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Yaakub Johari and District Officer Haji Yusof Haji Osman.

The Chief Minister held a meeting with the members SEDIA at the Perkasa Hotel before visiting the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) here.

http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/09...lk-production/

[Rainbow_DASH]

Business
Agrobank’s business growth for 2H16 on right trajectory
September 7, 2016, Wednesday

KUALA LUMPUR: Agrobank’s business growth is on the right trajectory for the second half of this year, says President/Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Wan Mohd Fadzmi Wan Othman.

He said the growth was driven by demand for financing assets for the agriculture sector, especially agrofood.

He said in the first half of 2016, the bank recorded the highest total financing value of RM8.06 billion or a 8.29 per cent growth compared to the same period a year ago.

Of this total, RM4.90 billion was for the primary agricultural sector, agro-food segment (RM2.97 billion) and the rest for other financing plans.

“This is an impressive achievement, particularly in the current global economic environment.

“As for now, we are on track to attain the target of nine per cent business growth this year,” he told reporters after the Agrobank Agropreneur Award 2016 event yesterday.

Also present was Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Shabery Cheek.

Wan Mohd Fadzmi said the agriculture industry’s performance remained strong despite the downtrend in commodity prices.

He said, demand for agricultural products, including the food segment is still there and is expected to grow further. — Bernama

http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/09...ht-trajectory/

[Rainbow_DASH]

Sasar 60 juta liter pengeluaran susu cair
MOHAMAD SHOFI MAT ISA
07 September 2016 12:47 AM

PEKAN 6 Sept. - Kementerian Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani menya*sarkan pengeluaran susu cair negara mencapai 60 juta liter setahun pada tahun 2020, sekali gus diharap dapat mengurangkan kebergantungan terhadap susu import.

Menterinya, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek berkata, setakat ini pengeluaran susu cair negara hanya separuh daripada jumlah sasaran itu atau kira-kira 57 peratus dan selebihnya diimport dari luar negara.

Katanya, apabila sasaran ber*kenaan berjaya dicapai, pihaknya yakin kira-kira 80 peratus kebergantungan kepada susu cair dapat dipenuhi.

Menurutnya, beliau melihat sektor tenusu negara sangat berpotensi dan mesti dibangunkan sebagai salah satu daripada kewajipan dalam pembangunan pertanian Malaysia.

“Bagi saya, kita tiada pilihan me*lainkan suatu masa nanti kita mempunyai keupayaan yang secukupnya untuk menghasilkan semua produk tenusu bagi keperluan rakyat.

“Saya percaya dalam rangka membangunkan masyarakat yang sihat dan maju, soal nutrisi adalah suatu yang penting untuk anak kecil, ibu mengandung, bayi dan rakyat negara ini mendapatkan susu segar,” katanya dalam sidang akhbar selepas merasmikan Kompleks Tenusu Pekan Dairy Farm di Chini di sini semalam.

Yang hadir sama, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Hal Ehwal Felda negeri, Datuk Abu Bakar Harun dan Pengerusi Eksekutif Pekan Dairy Farm Sdn. Bhd., Datuk Seri Mohamad Suparadi Md. Noor.

Ahmad Shabery berkata, setakat ini terdapat hampir 100 usa*hawan pengeluar tenusu tempatan secara skala sederhana manakala dua lagi secara besar-besaran.

“Kita yakin jumlah ini akan meningkat dari semasa ke semasa berdasarkan situasi semasa dan bantuan daripada kerajaan dalam membantu usahawan tempatan ini,” katanya.

Dalam pada itu beliau berkata, pihaknya bercadang mewujudkan lembaga ataupun majlis tenusu bagi membantu kerajaan memantau industri tenusu negara ini supaya terus berkembang pesat dan dapat menampung peningkatan permintaan susu cair tempatan.

“Lembaga atau majlis berkenaan dijangka disertai wakil daripada beberapa kementerian termasuk Kementerian Kesihatan dan Kementerian Pendidikan.

“Wakil daripada kerajaan negeri juga akan dimasukkan dalam lembaga ini kerana merekalah yang akan meluluskan tanah bagi tujuan pembangunan ladang ternakan lembu tenusu,” katanya.

See more at: http://m.utusan.com.my/bisnes/korpor....q1fHJOzS.dpuf

[Rainbow_DASH]

Business
Malaysia to change negative perceptions of palm oil in France
September 8, 2016, Thursday

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia strives to change negative perceptions and incorrect views of palm oil in France.

Malaysian Ambassador to France Datuk Ibrahim Abdullah said the success in gaining consumer acceptance of palm oil would mean messages from politicians would have to be tailored accordingly.

In an article issued by the Embassy of Malaysia in Paris, Ibrahim said with open, cordial and long-term engagements with French politicians, officials, and the grassroots, Malaysia hopes to be able to rebalance the conversation.

“Even though engagements with politicians and officials are important, emphasis should also be given towards winning the hearts and minds of consumers.

“Since politicians are usually expected to represent the preferences of their constituents, the former will change their message to entice the latter,” he said.

Ibrahim pointed out that in preparation for future challenges, it would be paramount for all Malaysian agencies to continue existing cooperation so that the truth about the palm oil industry in Malaysia could be championed.

“Moving forward, all opportunities for Malaysia to articulate our position on palm oil and the importance of the issue to us have to be explored.

“Building on the positive momentum we have been able to generate, it would be worth considering looking into platforms such as public awareness campaigns to reach out and sensitise consumers of all ages to the positive social, environmental, and health impact of palm oil,” he said.

In this outreach programme, Ibrahim said it would be worthwhile to pursue approaches that resonate with younger audiences who are ready to form their opinion on the benefits of palm oil.

Ibrahim said Malaysia is also committed to the sustainability initiative and sustainable development goals in accordance with its commitments as global citizens.

“Often overlooked, the definition of sustainability should encompass the well-being of the vulnerable sections of society,” he said.

In anticipation of the possibility of the palm oil tax to be revisited in the upcoming Finance Bill by the French government, Malaysian Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong, arrived in Paris on Tuesday for a three-day visit.

Ibrahim said during the series of meetings that have been arranged, Mah intends to provide updates on the Malaysian palm oil industry, as well as drum up support and recognition for the progress made without needing to be nudged on the path of maintaining the country’s commitments in the industry. — Bernama

http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/09...oil-in-france/

[Rainbow_DASH]

Business News
Home > Business > Business News
Thursday, 8 September 2016 | MYT 8:41 PM
Risda to market abroad products by its smallholders, entrepreneurs


Zahidi (foreground), seen here at a function in Pasir Mas last month, wants to open up avenues for Risda smallholders and entrepreneurs to increase their income instead of just relying on rubber. - Bernama pic

PORT DICKSON: The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) plans to assist its smallholders and entrepreneurs market their products abroad, particularly to Italy, the US and China, next year.

Chairman Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin said several foods such as biscuits and stingless bee honey were being identified and contacts had been made with several parties abroad for the export market.

He said in order to facilitate the export, Risda would help ensure that the products were certified halal as only 300 of 11,740 Risda entrepreneurs nationwide had halal certification for their products.

“Risda will continue to help open up avenues for its smallholders and entrepreneurs to increase their income, and not relying only on rubber due to the volatile price,” he told reporters after meeting Risda public relations and community development personnel from Negri Sembilan on Thursday.

Zahidi said Risda had also sought Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd’s help to provide outlets for Risda entrepreneurs to sell their products at the airports and railway stations.

Risda has also asked the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to open more 1malaysia Internet Centres, especially in the rural areas where the smallholders resided.

“We have also asked for the centres be connected to high speed internet or 4G LTE network so that Risda entrepreneurs can market their products online and expand their market,” he said.

In another development, Zahidi said Risda would start planting Guarana (Brazilian cocoa) plants at its 2.02ha land in Seberang Prai, Penang, at year-end to offset falling rubber prices and provide additional income to the smallholders.

“The cultivation of banana, coconut and other cash crops had already been introduced by Risda to smallholders, but the crops are facing stiff competition in the local market.

“So, we hope Guarana will open new markets both locally and internationally,” he said.- Bernama

http://www.thestar.com.my/business/b...entrepreneurs/

[Rainbow_DASH]

Nation
Home > News > Nation
Friday, 9 September 2016 | MYT 5:03 PM
Fama counting on train stations to double produce sales
BY SIRA HABIBU

KUALA LUMPUR: Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) is banking on the railway stations to double its “My Best Buy” sales of fresh produce.

Fama director-general Datuk Ahmad Ishak said they could capitalise on the huge market potential at train stations, as KTMB (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd) recorded 60 million annual ticket sales.

“We are confident we can achieve this year’s target of increasing sales to RM14mil from My Best Buy programmes held at 60 locations,” he said.

He said this after opening the Fama Seasonal Fruits and Agro-based Industry Product Fiesta at KTM Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

Ahmad said the fiesta, during which consumers could enjoy relatively cheaper products, would be held at KTM KL on monthly basis.

“We are looking into the feasibility of using other stations to promote products fresh from the farm direct to the consumers,” he said.

Ahmad said it was more cost-effective to utilise trains to deliver fresh produce direct from farm to consumers.

“This compares to conventional systems where the goods change hands from farmers to wholesalers and retailers before reaching consumers, thus incurring additional costs,” he said.

Ahmad said they could even look into delivering by train freshwater fish from farms to urban dwellers

“Recently 54 tonnes of fruits including exotic fruits from Sabah (such as bambangan) were snapped up immediately when sold in Selayang.

“Some people were emotional when they got their hands on the exotic fruits from Sabah,” he said.

KTMB president Lt Datuk Sarbini Tijan said they would look into providing “Keretapi Pasar” to promote agro tourism.

“The rapid ETS (Electric Train System) is a hit,” he said.

Lt Sarbini said they were looking into various ways to keep KTM stations vibrant.

“KTM has been in business for 130 years and the demand is still high,” he said.

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/natio...produce-sales/

[Rainbow_DASH]

Sasar 50% bekalan daging lembu tempatan
OLEH FAZRINA AYU RADUIAN ([email protected]) | 11 September 2016 12:21 AM

KUALA LANGAT 10 Sept. - Kementerian Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani menyasarkan pembekalan daging lembu oleh penternak tempatan dalam pasaran akan meningkat kepada 50 peratus menjelang 2020.

Timbalan Ketua Setiausa*hanya, Badrul Hisham Mohamad berkata, setakat ini pengeluaran daging oleh syarikat atau penternak tempatan menyumbang kepada 30 peratus dalam pasaran manakala selebihnya diimport.

“Kita mahu mengurangkan kebergantungan daging import terutama dari Australia, Kemboja, Thailand dan Vietnam. Oleh itu, kita mahu sektor penternakan daging lembu di negara ini terus meningkat agar keperluan daging dalam pasaran dapat ditampung oleh pengeluar tempatan,” katanya selepas merasmikan pemasaran lembu korban bersepadu bersama Pertubuhan Peladang Kuala Langat (PPKL) di sini hari ini.

Yang turut hadir, Pengerusi Jemaah Pengarah PPKL, Abdul Razak Hasbullah dan Pengerusi Majlis Pembangunan Pertanian Kuala Langat, Datuk Sulaiman Mohd. Karli.

Selain itu katanya, kerjasama dengan pertubuhan peladang terutama di Kuala Langat dapat menyumbang kepada peningkatan pengeluaran daging tempatan apabila mencatatkan penjualan lembu tahun lalu sebanyak 1,026 ekor dengan nilai RM4.2 juta berbanding pada 2011 iaitu 20 ekor dengan nilai RM56,000.

Dalam pada itu Abdul Razak berkata, kesemua lembu yang diternak itu dipasarkan di sekitar Selangor dan beberapa negeri lain seperti Negeri Sembilan.

“Lembu berkualiti ini diter*nak oleh 13 usahawan dengan prosedur operasi standard (SOP) yang ditetapkan dan kita harap dapat meningkatkan lagi jumlah lembu yang diternak bagi memenuhi kehendak pasaran,” katanya.

- See more at: http://www.utusan.com.my/berita/nasi....vg5O4rDP.dpuf

[Rainbow_DASH]

Berita Sabah
Penubuhan Lembaga Ubi Kayu dimensi baharu peladang
September 12, 2016, Monday

KOTA KINABALU: Penubuhan Lembaga Ubi Kayu oleh kerajaan negeri Sabah diyakini membawa dimensi baharu dan meningkatkan sosioekonomi masyarakat luar bandar, khususnya peladang di negeri ini.

Pengerusi Pertubuhan Peladang Negeri Sabah (PPNS) Datuk Mohd Nazri Abdullah berkata penubuhan lembaga berkenaan memudahkan pemasaran hasil ubi kayu, sekali gus bidang penanaman ubi kayu menjanjikan masa depan yang lebih baik dan terjamin.

“Tanaman ubi kayu sememangnya berpotensi diusahakan di negeri ini memandangkan kesuburan tanah dan cuaca yang sangat sesuai. Justeru, PPNS akan memberi galakan kepada Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan (PPK) untuk mengusahakan tanaman ubi kayu secara besar-besaran,” katanya dalam kenyataan, di sini semalam.

Kelmarin, Ketua Menteri Sabah Datuk Seri Musa Aman mengumumkan langkah kerajaan negeri melalui Kementerian Pertanian dan Industri Makanan untuk mewujudkan Lembaga Ubi Kayu bagi mempelbagaikan pengeluaran makanan di negeri ini.

Menurutnya, kerajaan sudah pun membina dua kilang pemprosesan ubi kayu iaitu masing-masing satu di daerah Kudat dan Tawau yang memerlukan bekalan ubi kayu yang banyak untuk diproses.

Mohd Nazri yang juga timbalan pengerusi Pertubuhan Peladang Kebangsaan (NAFAS) memuji keputusan kerajaan itu yang disifatkannya sebagai wawasan pimpinan negeri membantu masyarakat peladang dan mempelbagaikan ekonomi negeri.

“Kita amat menghargai keprihatinan beliau (Datuk Seri Musa), ini menunjukkan beliau seorang pemimpin yang mempunyai wawasan untuk masyarakat luar bandar.

“Bagi memenuhi keperluan, PPNS menerusi PPK akan memulakan segera penanaman ubi kayu bagi tujuan komersial di kawasan tertentu yang akan dikenal pasti,” katanya.

Mohd Nazri berkata selain memudahkan pemasaran, pewujudan lembaga khusus mengenai ubi kayu juga mampu menyediakan lebih banyak peluang pekerjaan.

Katanya, PPNS akan bekerjasama dengan agensi kerajaan serta institusi berkaitan dalam menjalankan penyelidikan dan pembangunan, untuk mempelbagaikan produk berasaskan ubi kayu. — Bernama

http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/09...haru-peladang/

[Rainbow_DASH]

Business News
Home > Business > Business News
Monday, 12 September 2016
All systems go for B10 biodiesel; shoring up CPO prices, reducing stock seen
HANIM ADNAN

KUALA LUMPUR: After hitting several speed bumps on the road to realisation, the country’s stalled B10 biodiesel mandate for the transport sector is poised to take-off in the final quarter of this year, say industry observers.

Initially slated for implementation in June, the higher B10 blend which combines 10% palm methyl ester with 90% fossil fuel diesel is a migration from the current B7 programme for nationwide coverage.

Industry observers opine that the B10 programme may prove to be a game changer if fully implemented.

The mandate could lead to a positive oulook in crude palm oil (CPO) prices as it is expected to increase palm oil usage in Malaysia by about 750,000 tonnes annually and pare down the country’s present high palm oil stock.

With several automobile manufacturers’ acceptance that the B10 biodiesel is fit and safe for use in their vehicles, the biggest hurdle has been overcome.

Malaysian Biodiesel Association president U.R. Unnithan told StarBiz that the national biodiesel mandate is a “very important tool” to create new demand for CPO that would reduce palm oil stock and help to shore up CPO prices.

National mandate: Malaysian Biodiesel Association members have been supplying palm biodiesel to the national biodiesel mandate in the transport sector, says Unnithan.

Given the current downtrend in CPO prices, Unnithan noted that the national biodiesel mandate could cushion the negative impact of loss of revenue from crude palm oil. “A higher CPO price has a significant impact on the economy as just an RM100 per tonne increase in CPO would amount to RM2bil in revenue for the industry.

“A higher CPO price could also support thousands of smallholders who are dependent on this commodity for their livelihood. “And a vibrant biodiesel industry will spur the growth of auxiliary industries and create more employment domestically,” he said.

The leverage of the biodiesel mandate for Malaysia could also result in much higher export and foreign exchange earnings, as 90% of local palm oil products are exported. Another important aspect of the biodiesel mandate is the immense contribution to Malaysia’s climate change target of reducing carbon intensity by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.

Tried and tested

“The Government has given more than ample time for all stakeholders – biodiesel producers, petroleum companies including Petronas, Shell, Chevron, Petron and BHP, and palm oil suppliers – involved to clarify any issues they have,” said Unnithan, who does not expect further delays in the B10 implementation.

Even though there were some stakeholders still seeking clarification on the use of B10 for selected vehicles, “these matters are being dealt with through individual and multi-stakeholder consultation processes,” he said. He noted that some technical issues voiced out by petroleum and auto companies prior to B10 implementation were being ironed out and have been well clarified.

Furthermore, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) has also carried out all the testing involved with palm biodiesel, drawing on the experiences of countries such as Colombia and Indonesia which have successfully implemented B10 and beyond.

Unnithan said the Malaysian Biodiesel Association looked forward to working closely with all stakeholders – namely petroleum companies, automobile associations, automotive makers, palm oil suppliers, the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry, MPOB, Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) and all other relevant government agencies in the execution of the B10 and B7 programmes in the transport and industrial sectors.

This includes extending the association’s co-operation and expertise to MPOC and MPOB to address all the techno-commercial details in the implementation of the B10 and B7 programmes.

“In fact, the Malaysian Biodiesel Association has also held several demonstrations on the long-term use of B50 and B100 biodiesel on some vehicles without any issues, hence we don’t see any technical issues at all for B10,” he said. On subsidy for the fuel, Unnithan said:

“To our knowledge, there is no subsidy element to support the biodiesel industry as the fuel subsidy has been lifted since November 2014 and the retail price now follows the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula based on market pricing.

“The biodiesel at 7% or 10% is only a part of this formula pricing and it keeps fluctuating with the price of CPO. Recently, the ministry-in-charge, the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry, announced that all these matters will be resolved and B10 implementation will start in the fourth quarter,” he said.

Supply chain

The Malaysian Biodiesel Association has a membership of 21 biodiesel based companies with operations in the country, which have collectively invested about RM2.2bil since 2006. To date, there are 17 active member companies which use CPO as their main feedstock to produce biodiesel, with a combined installed capacity of 2.05 million tonnes per annum.

Unnithan said the members have been supplying palm biodiesel to the national biodiesel mandate in the transport sector, which commenced in June 2011 with the B5 programme. The blending percentage was subsequently increased to B7 in November 2014. Apart from domestic consumption, local palm biodiesel has been exported since 2006 to the European Union, Asia and the United States, said Unnithan.

The palm biodiesel produced by the members conforms to international standards such as the EN 14214 (European standard) and ASTM D6751 (US standard) and its own local standards i.e. the MS 2008: 2008. Unnithan noted that the B10 implementation will put Malaysia on par with other national biodiesel mandates that were presently implemented particularly in countries with a strong agricultural economy.

Such countries that have progressively embarked on higher biodiesel blends include Indonesia (B20), the United States (up to B10 in some states), Colombia (B10), Argentina (B10), Brazil (B8) and France (BB).

[Rainbow_DASH]

Prospek produk dan industri koko cecah RM5 bilion
14th September, 2016

RANAU: Industri koko negara mempunyai prospek yang sangat baik dalam jangka panjang dengan merujuk kepada pendapatan eksport koko dan produk-produk koko yang mencecah RM5 bilion pada tahun lalu.

Timbalan Menteri Perusahaan Perladangan dan Komoditi, Datuk Datu Nasrun Datu Mansur optimis, pendapatan daripada eksport dan perdagangan produk itu berupaya dilonjakkan lebih tinggi sekiranya diusahakan dengan lebih strategik dan berdaya saing.

Selain itu katanya,pendekatan-pendekatan baru yang lebih cekap dan berkesan melalui penglibatan pelbagai pihak termasuk Kerajaan dan pihak swasta juga merupakan elemen penting yang menyumbang kepada lonjakan pendapatan.

“Bagaimanapun, isu-isu yang menjejaskan produktiviti dan pengeluaran serta ketahanan daya saing industri perlu ditangani dengan segera. Saya menyeru agar semua pengusaha koko memberikan komitmen yang tinggi terhadap penjagaan ladang dan meningkatkan kemahiran dalam ‘Amalan Pertanian Tepat’ (GAP) serta guna pakai teknologi yang disyorkan.

“Peningkatan kemahiran dalam penjagaan ladang akan mendorong kepada hasil yang tinggi dan mengelakkan kerugian akibat kehilangan hasil yang akan menjamin pendapatan lumayan daripada tanaman koko,” katanya semasa berucap merasmikan Program Promosi Tanaman Koko dan Program Tanggungjawab Sosial Korporat (CSR) Majlis Ibadah Qurban 1473H anjuran Lembaga Koko Malaysia (LKM) di Kampung Pahu di sini kelmarin.

Menurut Nasrun, sektor tanaman koko di Ranau juga mempunyai potensi yang besar untuk dimajukan sekaligus turut menyumbang kepada lonjakan pendapatan daripada eksport koko serta produknya.

“Difahamkan,keluasan tanaman koko di Ranau telah meningkat dari 679 hektar pada tahun 2010 kepada 1,659 hektar pada tahun 2015. Tanaman koko meliputi tiga zon iaitu Karanaan, Kundasang dan Panginatan.

“Merujuk rekod dan perancangan LKM katanya, antara program utama pembangunan industri koko dalam RMKe-11 di Ranau adalah Program Pembangunan Kluster Koko Tanah Tinggi dan Program Peningkatkan Produktiviti Koko.

“Program Pembangunan Kluster Koko di Ranau adalah sebanyak RM19.55 juta. Pada tahun 2015, antara aktiviti yang dilaksanakan di bawah Program Pembangunan Kluster Koko adalah Program Peningkatan Produktiviti (800 hektar, 754 orang petani) dan Program Tanaman Baru Koko (174 hektar, 170 orang petani).

“Selain daripada itu program Khidmat Sokongan Pemasaran Biji Koko (KSPD) juga diadakan bagi membantu petani menjual hasil biji koko kering dengan harga yang berpatutan,” tambahnya.

Menyentuh berkenaan Program Promosi Tanaman Koko dan Program Tanggungjawab Sosial Korporat (CSR) Majlis Ibadah Qurban anjuran Lembaga Koko Malaysia (LKM), Nasrun melahirkan penghargaan kepada pihak LKM kerana telah berjaya menganjurkan tiga gabungan program yang sangat bermakna dan berimpak tinggi kepada program yang mesra rakyat.

“Jesteru saya berharap program seperti ini akan dapat dilaksanakan secara berterusan bagi mengeratkan jalinanan hubungan dan kerjasama antara LKM dengan kumpulan sasar,” ujarnya.

Pada program itu, sebanyak lima kumpulan sasar di sini telah menerima agihan Daging Quban iaitu, Penduduk Kg. Pahu, Madrasah Minal Mahdi Ilal Lahdi, Kg.Silou, Maahaad Al Tahfiz Bayu Syahadah, Kg.Bitoon, Rumah Putera Harapan,Pekan Ranau dan Rumah Anak Yatim dan Asnaf, Kg.Langsat.

Turut hadir, Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Operasi) Datin Norhaini Udin,Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Penyelidikan & Pembangunan) Dr. Ramle Hj. Kasin,Encik Wahab Rasman, Setiausaha Perhubungan,Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, Ahli Lembaga Pengelola LKM Merangkap Pengerusi PENAKOS, Encik Saud Alfian. -OLEH ADUKA JASNIN SUMAN

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/9483

[Rainbow_DASH]

Business
Malaysia to persuade France not to hike tax on palm oil imports
September 14, 2016, Wednesday

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia, as a major palm oil producer, will try and persuade France not to hike duties on Malaysian palm oil which currently attracts 21 per cent import tax, said Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong.

“We are engaged in high-level discussions with French parliamentarians.

“Malaysia is concerned as the proposal is to increase the import tax on palm oil only and not other vegetable oils.

“The tax must be fair and apply to similar vegetables oils,” said Mah, adding that the review on the vegetable oils tax was expected to be deliberated in the French Parliament in November.

Saying that the proposed tax was discriminatory, the minister, who just returned from a working visit to Belgium, France and the United Kingdom, added that if France were to increase the tax, then the European Union would also do the same.

“Oil palm is the most productive crop among vegetable oils and forms an important component of the food supply chain,” he said.

Mah defended that Malaysian palm oil was a good and healthy oil, which contained no genetically modified foods and was scientifically proven to have similar properties as olive oil.

Industry players say that the potential crisis looming now for the industry was the use of palm oil for energy with the attack now focused on sustainability.

Oil palm cultivation in Malaysia is always being blamed for widespread deforestation that destroys biodiversity, degrades ecosystems, emits green house gases and carbon which contributes to climate change and traps workers in inequitable working conditions.

To the non-government organisations, deforestation in developing countries should be stopped at all costs while sustainability was actually linked to the price of palm oil.

The market perception which labelled palm oil as “unsustainable” would have economic implications that is high price discounts of palm oil vis-a-vis other vegetable oils.

Mah’s trip, from Sept 5-10, was aimed at promoting palm oil, rubber and timber and to address increasing concerns over the French food taxation and food safety issues relating to palm oil, as well as, timber certification matters in the Netherlands.

Palm oil contributes about €167 million (RM760 million) in tax revenue to France. — Bernama

http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/09...m-oil-imports/

[Rainbow_DASH]

Business
New chairmen at helm of MPOB, MPB
September 14, 2016, Wednesday


Mah is seen handing the letter of appointment to Ahmad yesterday. Ahmad’s appointment is from Sept 1 to Aug 31, 2018, and William Mawan from Aug 16 to Aug 15, 2018. — Bernama photo

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Ahmad Hamzah has been appointed chairman of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), while Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom will helm the Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB).

Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Seri Mah Siew Kiong said Ahmad’s appointment is from Sept 1 to Aug 31, 2018, and William Mawan from Aug 16 to Aug 15, 2018.

Ahmad replaces Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad, who died in a helicopter accident in Sarawak.

William Mawan takes the place of Datuk Henry Sum Agong, who has been appointed the Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism.

Ahmad, who served as Chairman of the Malaysian Rubber Board for 15 years, was also chairman of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement Caucus, signed by the government on Feb 4 this year.

He is a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

William Mawan was formerly Sarawak’s Minister of Social Development.

“I am confident that the new appointments will further enhance the development of the sectors of both commodities,” Mah told a press conference here yesterday.

He said the commodities sector contributed 15 per cent of the country’s overall exports last year at RM117.1 billion and the oil palm industry was the biggest contributor with a value of RM63.2 billion.

Meanwhile, the land area under pepper cultivation last year was 16,426 hectares with production at 28,300 tonnes.

Sarawak was the largest producer with a contribution of 98 per cent.

Mah said his ministry aimed to increase the area under pepper cultivation to 20,000 hectares in 2020 with an annual production of 43,000 tonnes. — Bernama