44.5 Ha Tobacco Crops In Ranau Can Generate RM2 Mln Annually - Noraini
She said the tobacco harvest is purchased by wholesalers before being marketed throughout Sabah.
“The potential is immense if managed effectively, with an emphasis on product quality, modern cultivation technology and a wider market network.”
“I hope the tobacco cultivation industry in the Ranau district will continue to flourish, yielding profitable returns for growers and contributing to the local economy,” she said during a working visit to the tobacco cultivation areas here today.
She added that the regulation of tobacco cultivation, production and marketing as well as tobacco products in Sabah falls under the jurisdiction of the state government.
However, Noraini said her ministry remains open to sharing technical expertise, research and development regarding the state's tobacco cultivation industry to enable the sector to be developed sustainably.
Noraini explained that the regulation of tobacco cultivation, production, and marketing as well as tobacco products in Peninsular Malaysia falls under the purview of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities and the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board, as stipulated by the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board Act 2009 [Act 692].
She said tobacco cultivation in Peninsular Malaysia involved 170 growers across a total area of 103.7 hectares in Kelantan, Perak, and Negeri Sembilan as of Aug 31.
She noted that production output reached 78.32 tonnes at an average price of RM20 per kilogramme, resulting in a total production value of RM1,566,420.
In terms of trade, she mentioned that the export value of tobacco products hit RM150.40 million, with markets including China, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, India, Belize, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia, and Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, tobacco and tobacco products valued at RM427 million were imported from Indonesia, the Philippines, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany, South Korea, Cuba, Vietnam, and Belgium, she said.
“Although the tobacco industry holds significant economic potential, in line with the government's commitment to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC), the government no longer provides any financial aid or incentives to tobacco growers.
“Nevertheless, the government, through relevant agencies, remains committed to providing advisory services, regulating tobacco cultivation and products, and ensuring compliance with the provisions stipulated under Act 692,” she said.
-- BERNAMA