KUCHING: In 2016, Malaysia was the fifth in the list of countries that produced the most pepper in the world with an estimated value of 29,245 metric ton.
It has shown an increase of 3.3 per cent compared to 2015, which was 28,300 metric tonnes.
This was revealed by Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Datu Nasrun Datu Mansur when attending the Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB) Service Excellence Award 2016 presentation ceremony at Imperial Hotel here yesterday.
“Last year, the main producer of pepper in the world was Vietnam with 140,000 metric tonnes.
“This was followed by Indonesia (70,000 metric tonnes), India (48,500 metric tonnes), and Brazil (45,000 metric tonnes).
Nasrun added that the commodities industry is also affected by the issues and challenges that come with the changing of the world economy.
“For the pepper industry, the attention given is not any different from the ones given to other commodities sectors that focus on increasing productivity, efficiency, and innovation.
“Other than that, aspects such as MPB’s management, research, marketing, enforcement, and technology will be increased and strengthened,” he said.
The ministry also revealed that in Malaysia, there are about 67,304 smallholder pepper growers of which 95 per cent are Bumiputera.
“It cannot be denied that they are the most important when it comes to the production of pepper in the country.
“Therefore, I applaud the efforts done by the MPB in helping them to promote their pepper,” he said.
During the event, 55 MPB staff members and officers were awarded for their services and loyalty to the board based on their performances and involvement from last year.
Out of that number, 25 received the ‘Service Excellence Award (APC) 2016’ whereas 30 received awards for their long-time services to the MPB starting from 25 years onward.
MPB chairman Tan Sri Dato Sri William Mawan Ikom said that the annual event was to acknowledge and appreciate those who have excelled in providing the best services when it came to implementing their duties.
“Congratulations to those who have won awards and for those who didn’t, we hope that this will motivate you to improve your performance,” said Mawan.
