Pepper Industry Continues To Grow With RM2.27 Bln Contribution In 2025

KUCHING, May 4 (Bernama) -- The country’s pepper industry has recorded positive growth with revenue contribution rising to about RM2.27 billion last year from RM2.24 billion in 2024, said Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.

She said that by the end of 2025, Malaysia’s total pepper cultivation area was estimated at around 8,200 hectares, with the majority of production concentrated in Sarawak.

“This industry is also supported by about 39,000 farmers, thus playing an important role in the rural community’s economic generation,” the minister said in a statement issued in conjunction with a working visit to the Malaysian Pepper Board here today.

Noraini said that Malaysia recorded pepper commodity exports of 4,344 metric tonnes valued at about RM179.78 million last year, reflecting continued demand for high-quality Malaysian pepper in the global market.

According to her, the innovation-based approach and value chain must be further strengthened by industry players, including the development of downstream products and more strategic branding to enhance the industry’s resilience.

“In facing challenges such as climate change, price volatility, and demand for high quality, technology is no longer an option but a necessity to ensure the pepper industry remains sustainable and competitive.

“Therefore, the government will remain committed to ensuring that the pepper sector continues to grow as a high-value agri-commodity subsector through increased productivity, technological empowerment, and better access to international markets,” she said.

-- BERNAMA