Latest news with #PlantationandCommoditiesMinistry
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ministry to engage with oleochemical firms over SST imposed on palm kernel oil
BANGI: Plantation and Commodities Ministry will engage directly with industry players to ensure Malaysia's oleochemical sector remain competitive following changes to the sales and service tax (SST). Its minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the changes had sparked concern among industry players, with some expressing negative feedback over the potential impact on operating costs and Malaysia's competitiveness in the global market. "We want to identify which specific areas are affected. Because SST is a domestic system, I have told the ministry not to react immediately to the complaints. "Instead, we must engage with the industry and understand the real situation," he told reporters at MPOB Palm Oil Technology Transfer Programme (TOT) 2025. Beginning July 1, palm kernel oil - a key input for oleochemical production - will be subjected to a five per cent sales tax. Johari said raw materials meant for export are not subject to SST, but acknowledged the need to assess if certain components of the local value chain are unduly impacted. He said policymaking should be based on insights from those directly involved in the industry, not external voices. "The reality is, no one likes paying tax and that is normal. But we need a functioning tax system to sustain the economy. "At the same time, we must evaluate its impact on national competitiveness, and that is what the ministry will be focusing on," he added. CIMB Securities recently said Malaysia's oleochemical sector could face increased input costs as palm kernel oil will now be subjected to SST. The firm said the revised tax also applies to refined, bleached and deodorised palm kernel oil and palm kernel shell, which have been reclassified under the expanded SST framework, affecting 4,800 Harmonised System Codes. "The five per cent sales tax could erode the competitiveness of Malaysia's oleochemical industry by increasing raw material costs, although some of the additional cost may be passed on to buyers," it said in a note. The oleochemical sector contributed 24 per cent of the export value of Malaysia's palm oil products, amounting to RM27.5 billion in 2024.
New Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ministry plans to consolidate smallholder rubber plots into larger estates
PIC BY NSTP/NOORAZURA ABDUL RAHMAN PADANG TERAP: The Plantation and Commodities Ministry is developing a strategy to consolidate smallholder rubber plots into larger, systematically managed estates in a bid to reduce Malaysia's dependence on imported natural rubber. Its minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, said the initiative is crucial as the country continues to import about RM7 billion worth of natural rubber annually, despite having the capacity to produce it domestically. "We're not taking their land away. The aim is to consolidate the plots so they can be managed more effectively. If one smallholder owns three hectares, we'll group several together to form an estate of 30 to 50 hectares. "If no one is willing to manage it, the government can step in and bring in foreign workers to work the land. "We're not expecting the landowners' children to do the work themselves, but we still want to ensure the land generates income," he said after opening the Padang Terap Umno division delegates meeting at the Padang Kerasak Community Centre in Naka today. Also present was state Umno liaison committee chairman and Padang Terap Umno division chief Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid. Johari said data showed that nearly 95 per cent of Malaysian smallholders own rubber plots ranging from two to four hectares, most of which are no longer actively cultivated. He said this finding was supported by his field visits, during which many landowners revealed they had stopped working their land as they were financially supported by their children. "Elderly women I met told me their children each send RM100 a month. If they have five children, that's RM500, enough for basic needs. So, they don't feel the need to return to the fields. "Some are also afraid of being cheated when selling their produce. They say they sometimes make only RM25 a day. Eventually, they abandon the land," he said. Johari said the land consolidation plan would be implemented in phases, starting with areas showing development potential. "If we can start by consolidating 100 or 200 acres and demonstrate the benefits, others will eventually follow. But getting started is not easy. It takes time." He acknowledged challenges, especially in cases where land is inherited by multiple heirs, which complicates efforts to redevelop. "I met someone with 10 hectares of land, but ownership is divided among six children. Some now live in other states, and some don't agree. "In the end, nothing can be done. Even changing the name on the land title is difficult. If we resort to compulsory acquisition, the process becomes even more complicated." He stressed that the government has no intention of taking over land ownership, but aims to work with landowners to restore productivity, whether for latex production or rubber exports. Johari added that closed-door briefing sessions with community leaders in Padang Terap will continue to help fine-tune the plan's implementation. "I would like to thank all local leaders who gave me the opportunity to engage. These closed-door discussions are more effective as I can directly clarify matters and prevent misunderstandings," he said.
New Straits Times
04-06-2025
- 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.
Barnama
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Ministers Pay Tribute To Media Practitioners On National Journalists Day
KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) – In conjunction with National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025 today, several Cabinet Ministers expressed their appreciation to media practitioners for their dedication and sacrifice in consistently upholding journalistic ethics in delivering news. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and his deputy, Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, in a post on the ministry's official Facebook page, expressed their gratitude to all journalists for their service, sacrifice and integrity shown in pursuit of the truth. 'Today, we celebrate journalists as the pulse of the nation's information! A day that honours dedicated individuals who deliver news and information to the public quickly, accurately and ethically. You are the eyes, ears and pen that shape public awareness. 'Journalists do not merely report but also shape thinking, uphold truth, influence public opinion, and strengthen democracy. In a world full of fast information and ethical challenges, the courage and integrity of journalists become the main defense against corruption and fake news,' he said. Meanwhile, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, his deputy K. Saraswath, and the ministry's deputy secretary-general Mohamad Sobri Mat Daud expressed their thanks to media practitioners for their continued commitment in disseminating information and news to all Malaysians. Through their official Facebook page, the top management and staff of the Plantation and Commodities Ministry (KPK) also extended their greetings on National Journalists Day. 'Our highest appreciation goes to all media practitioners who are pillars in delivering accurate and reliable information to society. 'You are unsung heroes who are always on the front lines despite facing many challenges and risks. Thank you for your dedication and contribution in shaping public thinking and strengthening national unity,' the post read. The Human Resources Ministry also expressed appreciation to journalists and media practitioners who are always at the forefront in delivering information that is accurate, timely and guided by integrity.
The Star
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ministers pay tribute to media practitioners on National Journalists' Day
KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2025 on Thursday (May 29), several Cabinet ministers expressed their appreciation to media practitioners for their dedication and sacrifice in consistently upholding journalistic ethics in delivering news. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and his deputy, Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, in a post on the ministry's official Facebook page, expressed their gratitude to all journalists for their service, sacrifice and integrity shown in pursuit of the truth. "Today, we celebrate journalists as the pulse of the nation's information! A day that honours dedicated individuals who deliver news and information to the public quickly, accurately and ethically. You are the eyes, ears and pen that shape public awareness. "Journalists do not merely report but also shape thinking, uphold truth, influence public opinion, and strengthen democracy. In a world full of fast information and ethical challenges, the courage and integrity of journalists become the main defense against corruption and fake news," he said. Meanwhile, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, his deputy K. Saraswath, and the ministry's deputy secretary-general Mohamad Sobri Mat Daud expressed their thanks to media practitioners for their continued commitment in disseminating information and news to all Malaysians. Through their official Facebook page, the top management and staff of the Plantation and Commodities Ministry also extended their greetings on National Journalists' Day. "Our highest appreciation goes to all media practitioners who are pillars in delivering accurate and reliable information to society. "You are unsung heroes who are always on the front lines despite facing many challenges and risks. Thank you for your dedication and contribution in shaping public thinking and strengthening national unity," the post read. The Human Resources Ministry also expressed appreciation to journalists and media practitioners who are always at the forefront in delivering information that is accurate, timely and guided by integrity. "Your dedication in connecting the voice of the people with policymakers is greatly appreciated. Continue your struggle to build an informed, sensitive and information-literate society," it said. The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, meanwhile, described media practitioners not just as news deliverers but as the main pulse of the ministry in delivering in delivering transparent, up-to-date and ethically sound information to build understanding, strengthen public trust and preserve social harmony. "Continue to write with heart and report honestly to shape the nation's future," it said. The Information Department, through its official Facebook page, also thanked all journalists and media practitioners who tirelessly convey the truth and shape the national narrative. The highlight of the Hawana 2025 celebration will be held on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The event is expected to be attended by about 1,000 media practitioners from within and outside the country. Hawana, organised by the Communications Ministry with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, will feature various events including a Pantun Festival on May 31 and a pre-launch event with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama on June 3, as well as a media forum jointly organised with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14. - Bernama
