Jeli:The commercialisation of BioKenaf products, developed through research at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), has generated over RM50 million in sales and created more than 50 job opportunities for the local population.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad emphasized that this success demonstrates the potential of university research in translating into economic opportunities and directly benefiting the community. She highlighted the importance of developing local commodities through research, technology, and strategic partnerships between universities and industry.
BioKenaf, one of UMK's research outcomes, was showcased at the Agriculture Expo 2026 (AGX'26) at the UMK Jeli campus. Dr Maryana Mohamad Noor, the director of AGX'26, led this initiative. Noraini stressed the need to strengthen the development of products based on local commodities to enhance their value and market reach, aligning with the National Agricommodity Policy 2021-2030 (DAKN 2030).
She discussed the collaboration between UMK and the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN) as a way to enhance research and development in the kenaf industry. Kenaf growers can earn between RM3,000 and RM5,000 per hectare per season, with LKTN providing technical support and incentives through programmes like the Cluster Farm Programme.
The rising demand for kenaf products presents opportunities for growers to supply raw materials, facilitating downstream industry growth and increasing growers' incomes. At a press conference, Noraini noted kenaf's versatility, being processed into beverages and used in various industrial applications, from oil production to soundproof materials and mushroom cultivation blocks.
She emphasized the need to expand downstream kenaf products through promotional efforts and public outreach, highlighting successful research collaborations between UMK and the kenaf industry that have resulted in various products, such as composite fibres for building materials and raw materials for mattress manufacturing, currently used in a Terengganu factory.