The interior of Sabah contributes 37.5 percent of the country’s cocoa production

SABAH, July 29, 2024 – The Minister of Plantation and Commodities (KPK), Datuk Seri Johari bin Abdul Ghani, conducted a field visit program with Small Cocoa Farmers in Kampung Liau Ulu, Keningau, Sabah. During the event, he also inaugurated the Post-Harvest Technology Course and the Strengthening of Cocoa Groups and the Mini Cocoa Processing Center in Kampung Liau.

According to KPK, in 2023, the Cocoa Industry contributed export revenue of RM8.2 billion. This underscores the industry’s importance in boosting the country’s economy. As of May 2024, cocoa export revenue has reached RM4.8 billion, approximately 58% higher than the previous year’s achievement.

“The interior areas of Sabah have demonstrated good cocoa production performance, contributing 37.5% of the national cocoa production. Some small cocoa farmers in this region have successfully achieved high cocoa yields, producing over 1,000 kg per hectare per year, compared to the national average productivity of 100 kg per hectare per year. Part of the cocoa beans from this area is selected and purchased by single-origin chocolate producers and bean-to-bar manufacturers.

To support cocoa cultivation in the interior of Sabah, the Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) is implementing several development programs, including the Cocoa Farm Rehabilitation Program, construction of the Mini Cocoa Bean Processing Center, and the adoption of cocoa farm management technologies through IoT applications and mechanization,” stated KPK.

The Mini Cocoa Processing Center in Kampung Liau Ulu has been completed at a cost of RM70,000 and benefits approximately 80 small cocoa farmers in the surrounding area. The production target is 100 metric tons of dried cocoa beans, expected to yield profits exceeding RM200,000 annually based on current prices.

To enhance youth participation and interest in cocoa cultivation, LKM has also established the Cocoa Youth Club, where members will have opportunities to gain knowledge and increase their income within the cocoa industry. This indirectly addresses potential labor shortages in the cocoa planting sector in the future.