Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s cocoa production needs to be increased with the involvement of more industry players and smallholders in an effort to meet the growing market demand for the commodity. Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the country can only produce about 450 tonnes of cocoa beans per year, compared to about 300,000 tonnes per year 20 years ago.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the country imports about 500,000 tonnes of cocoa beans a year to meet domestic demand for processing and producing products for export, indicating the commodity’s great potential. “The Malaysian cocoa industry needs to be given focus and attention to bring back this crop as this industry is now growing so much, with the size of the domestic market estimated to reach RM12 billion,” Johari said. He emphasized the need for not only smallholders but also large companies to get involved in cocoa cultivation.

Johari explained that around 20 years ago, many industry players and smallholders switched to planting oil palm, leading to a shortage of cocoa plants in the country. He urged for diversification, stating that cocoa is a commodity that, if properly managed, can be a high export for the country.

He acknowledged that cocoa crops in Malaysia have faced challenges such as disease attacks and lack of intensive attention, but noted that the situation has improved with new technology. These advancements can help overcome many of these diseases, potentially making cocoa a major export source for the country in the future.

Johari encouraged industry players and smallholders to capitalize on the current high price of cocoa by participating in its cultivation. He highlighted that cocoa is a raw material capable of producing various high-value products. The ministry is focusing more on research and development to address challenges, such as diseases, and to produce high-quality cocoa and seeds, particularly in Borneo.