06 November 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) is conducting a regulatory impact analysis (RIA) for the proposed establishment of the Malaysian Pineapple, Coconut, and Durian Industry Board (LPKNDM).

Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the findings from the study are expected to be submitted to the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) by March 2025.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the move to conduct this study aligns with General Circular No. 1 of 2021 – the National Policy on Good Regulatory Practice.

The minister made these remarks in response to a question from Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) in the Dewan Rakyat.

Addressing concerns about the dependency on imported coconut supplies and the ministry’s steps to control prices, Mohamad stated that the government would ensure imported coconuts do not exceed 30 percent.

Currently, coconut production in Malaysia stands at around 70 percent, necessitating the import of approximately 30 percent, mainly from Indonesia.

The minister highlighted that occasionally an oversupply occurs, which causes the price of local coconuts to drop.

To counteract this, the government is making efforts to avoid selling fresh coconuts during these periods.

Instead, they plan to increase the processing of coconuts into coconut milk and other coconut-based products.

Source: Malaysian Tribune, www.malaysianewsgazette.com