KPK Steps Up Efforts To Boost Agri-Commodity Productivity – Noraini

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- The Plantation and Commodities Ministry (KPK) will intensify efforts to boost productivity in the national agri-commodity sector by enhancing upstream production efficiency, strengthening the downstream value chain and adopting sustainable practices to navigate an increasingly challenging global economic landscape in 2026.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said geopolitical tensions, climate change, fluctuations in global commodity prices and the emergence of new international trade regulations imposing stringent sustainability requirements are realities challenging the country’s agri-commodity sector.

“Therefore, the agri-commodity sector can no longer be managed in a business-as-usual manner. The productivity enhancement agenda must be driven comprehensively, radically and with clear focus,” she said in her speech at KPK’s monthly assembly and breaking-of-fast event here today.

According to Noraini, KPK’s first focus is to improve upstream production efficiency by emphasising higher yield per hectare for key commodities such as oil palm, rubber, cocoa and pepper.

The second focus involves strengthening the downstream value chain so that the country does not continue to rely solely on raw commodity exports, while at the same time intensifying research and development to produce high-value downstream products capable of competing in the international market.

In addition, she stressed that the adoption of best practices and compliance with sustainability standards, including the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, will continue to be upheld to ensure the country’s commodities are recognised and accepted globally.

“We will not bow to trade discrimination, but at the same time, we must prove to the world that Malaysian commodities are produced with full responsibility towards the environment.

“In this regard, I want every policy, action plan and initiative formulated by KPK agencies to prioritise clear targets with objectively measurable key performance indicators,” she said.

Noraini also touched on smallholders, saying that improving their living standards and income remains KPK’s top agenda, and urged all parties to move in an integrated manner to ensure a stable market that yields stronger financial returns.

“An increase in export value means nothing if it is not felt by smallholders in the villages, and this is where the important role of government intervention comes in through support initiatives such as the implementation of the BUDI MADANI subsidy assistance programme to ensure their livelihood sustainability,” she said.

Noraini also emphasised a culture of good governance among KPK personnel, from top management to implementing groups, and discouraged the adoption of a silo work culture.

“The culture of guarding individual ‘territories’ between KPK divisions and agencies must end altogether. Our strength lies in close coordination, data and expertise sharing, and complementary strategic implementation,” she said.

At the same event, the ministry-level Ihya Ramadan Programme was launched, featuring among others Ramadan talks, tadarus Quran sessions and the distribution of dates and bubur lambuk.

Also present were KPK secretary-general Datuk Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof and more than 300 ministry staff.

-- BERNAMA