Kuala lumpur: The country's agri-commodity sector is experiencing a pivotal shift as it enters a critical transformation phase characterized by the adoption of modern technology, according to Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the sector is transitioning away from traditional labor dependency and is rapidly embracing agrotechnology, automation, and digitalization. Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad highlighted the sector's impressive performance in 2025, with exports valued at RM196.72 billion, underscoring its significance as a major contributor to the national economy. Key industries such as palm oil, rubber, cocoa, pepper, kenaf, and timber not only bolster national income but also serve as the economic backbone, providing employment opportunities for countless Malaysians, particularly in rural regions.

Noraini emphasized that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is being promoted as a premier career pathway, offering stable career prospects, competitive income, and promising futures. To reinforce this agenda, the ministry, through the Institute of Malaysian Plantation and Commodities (IMPAC), has formed strategic partnerships with top institutions like Sarawak Skills, Sabah Skills and Technology Centre, and RISDA College. These collaborations aim to ensure that trainees meet industry standards and are equipped with practical skills and a conducive learning environment, preparing them to tackle real-world operational challenges.

During the TVET MyKomoditi 2026 program event, Noraini also witnessed the exchange of memorandums of agreement between IMPAC, TVET institutions, and companies such as SD Guthrie, SALCRA Bhd, Genting Plantations, and TH Plantations. The initiative aims to train 300 local youth apprentices in technical specialization fields, particularly as harvesting and machine specialists.