Abdullah Confident Kenaf Will Become An Important New Commodity

August 22, 2008 23:47 PM

Abdullah Confident Kenaf Will Become An Important New Commodity

BACHOK, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the government is confident that the planting of kenaf would grow into major industry just like rubber and palm oil.

According to the Prime Minister, Malaysia has the expertise and capability to develop kenaf as a new national industry with the main focus given to farmers.

"We have been involved in research on the crop for over 10 years now. We also have the expertise in producing palm oil products and managing huge plantations. And we also have a huge international market presence," he told reporters after opening the kenaf collection, processing, packaging and distribution centre in Beris Lalang here Friday.

Also present were Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcob, Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Dr Chin Fah Kui, Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and Terengganu Menteri Besar, Datuk Ahmad Said.

Abdullah said as kenaf held tremendous potential, the government had decided to expedite planting of the crop so that the commodity contributed to the nation's economy.

An today's function, Abdullah also witnessed the sending of the first consignment of kenaf powder to Korea totalling 1,000 tonnes and said the objective was to reach 2,000 tonnes monthly.

-- BERNAMA