The President of the Malaysian Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Sabah Chinese Association General Assembly, Tan Sri Wu Tianquan, advocates that apart from maintaining and strengthening the advantages in palm oil and durian exports, the government should also consider actively enhancing the production and export in the equally potential-filled coffee sector.
He mentioned that our country enjoys international fame in the processing of coffee powder and related products, such as the famous white coffee, black coffee, and various styles and flavors of roasted and brewed coffee products, which attract many domestic and foreign tourists and consumers.
“Nevertheless, the domestic coffee fruit yield only accounts for about 1% of the world's production, which is in dire need of enhancement.”
He suggested the government further encourage Malaysian farmers to plant coffee trees with significant potential and, along with the currently mature processed products, expand into vast international markets including China.
Wu Tianquan expressed these views last night (25th) during his speech at the opening ceremony of the “Joyful Spring Festival Night” co-hosted by Sabah Chinese Association and the Kota Kinabalu City Hall at the Independence Square here, as part of the “Yisi Snake Lunar New Year Carnival”.
The main guest of honor was Datuk Chen Hongjian, Deputy Minister of the Federal Ministry of Plantation and Commodities. Attendees included Sabah Assistant Minister of Finance Chen Lifa, Deputy President of Sabah Chinese Association Datuk Huang Xiaojian, and the committee chairman Kapitan Fung Chunfat, among others.
Wu Tianquan pointed out that whether for palm oil, durian, or the coffee sector, our country possesses advanced technology and unique skills. With increased production and further research, there will be greater achievements, thereby earning more foreign exchange for the nation.
He said currently the coffee planting area in our country is about 20,000 to 30,000 hectares, mainly distributed in Johor, Selangor, Malacca, Pahang of West Malaysia, and Sabah and Sarawak of East Malaysia. Due to different climates and soils, various coffee beans such as Liberica, Arabica, and Robusta are produced.
Speaking about Sabah, he mentioned that coffee was introduced to what was then known as “North Borneo” by the British North Borneo Company in the 1800s, initially planted in Kudat with the Liberica variety. Later, in 1926, Chinese settlers in Tenom began planting Arabica coffee in Sapong, developing into the “Tenom Coffee” well-known domestically and internationally today.
On another note, Wu Tianquan pointed out that palm oil is one of the important sectors among Malaysia's main export commodities. As the world's second-largest exporter, palm oil accounts for 100 billion ringgit out of the country's nearly 160 billion ringgit in primary product exports.
He mentioned that our total oil palm area covers 5.7 million hectares, which, although representing only 0.1% of the global agricultural land, accounts for 20% of the global edible oils and fats export. This area includes 1.5 million hectares managed by smallholders and 4.2 million hectares of plantations managed by private companies.
He stated there are about 448 palm oil mills and 550,000 smallholders domestically, providing over 1.25 million employment opportunities. The annual production of palm oil generally maintains around 18.5 million metric tons.
“China and India are the two largest importers of our palm oil, and we hope this trend will continue, especially with China, which has greater purchasing power and market potential.”
He noted that in recent years, during visits and trade cooperation agendas between Malaysian and Chinese leaders, the request for China to increase palm oil imports has never been absent. This includes the meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where China committed to significantly increasing its purchase of Malaysian palm oil, which is encouraging.
He added that aside from traditional palm oil, Malaysia also began exporting fresh durians, prominently the “Musang King,” to China last year, successfully causing a sensation and receiving enthusiastic response.
He is confident that this emerging “durian diplomacy” trend will continue during this year's durian harvest season and be further expanded, covering more provinces and regions across China’s vast market. This bountiful achievement is just around the corner.