Kuala lumpur: The government has announced the approval of a RM16 million allocation for the Pepper Farming Sustainability Programme set for 2026, under the first rolling plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), as revealed by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. This initiative aims to bolster sustainable and competitive pepper farming through new planting schemes prioritizing premium pepper production.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme is designed to assist farmers by supplying essential agricultural inputs, including fertilisers and dolomite. It also provides incentives for pepper cuttings and support pillars, alongside technical advisory services. During the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), this programme benefited 5,531 pepper farmers, covering a total planted area of 786.7 hectares.

In addition, Noraini highlighted that 12,449 farmers, with a collective planted area of 2,216 hectares, received support for maintaining mature pepper farms during the same period. This assistance aims to boost productivity and output, further supporting the sector's sustainability objectives.