Kota Kinabalu: Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to revitalising its cocoa industry with a focus on sustainability, innovation and value-added exports.
He said Malaysia must act swiftly to meet growing global demand, particularly for Borneo-origin cocoa.
“Malaysia is among the world’s top five cocoa grinders, processing 370,000 tonnes of beans a year.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“Despite importing close to 500,000 tonnes, we exported RM15 billion worth of cocoa-based products in 2024. This proves our strength lies in value creation,” he said in his keynote speech at the launch of the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025, here, Monday.
Johari revealed that global food giant Nestlé has expressed strong interest in sourcing Borneo-specific cocoa, including for its KitKat Borneo series.
“They’ve asked how much we can supply and committed to buying all of it. The challenge now is to ramp up our local production, which is still under 500 tonnes,” he said.
He stressed that Malaysia will not expand through deforestation, but instead focus on sustainable cultivation, better yields through good agricultural practices and farmer empowerment through traceability and land certification.
“We are developing a National Cocoa Traceability System to meet global standards like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Our aim is to ensure full transparency from farm to export,” he added.
Johari called on smallholders to register under the Malaysian Cocoa Farmers Association, to enable certification and participation in government-supported programmes.
“About 85pc of smallholders are already compliant with sustainability frameworks. We will help the rest catch up.”
Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) Chairman Datuk Matbali Musah said MICF 2025 marks the largest cocoa event ever hosted in the country and serves as a vital platform to reconnect with the global cocoa community after more than a decade.
“With over 1,000 delegates and 160 booths from more than 20 countries, MICF is not just an exhibition, but a strategic platform to showcase Malaysia’s progress in sustainability, research, smart farming and premium chocolate production,” he said in his welcoming speech.
Matbali emphasised that the MICF includes not just an exhibition and conference, but also a Cocoa Gala Dinner and technical visits to cocoa farms in Ranau, giving international participants a closer look at Sabah’s contribution to the cocoa value chain.
He praised the support of the Ministry, State Government and private partners for bringing together 26 countries and advancing Malaysia’s cocoa ecosystem.
As Malaysia eyes greater exports of single-origin, fine-flavoured and organic cocoa, both Johari and Matbali called for stronger industry collaboration to position the country as a global source of premium, sustainable cocoa.
“Let’s work together to build a resilient cocoa industry, one that empowers our farmers, uplifts communities and aligns with global climate and trade expectations,” Johari said.
