KUCHING, May 4 (Bernama) -- The country's agri-commodity sector is now entering a critical transformation phase with a shift towards the use of modern technology, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
She said the sector is no longer dependent on labour, but is moving rapidly towards the application of agrotechnology, automation and digitalisation.
“In 2025, this sector recorded encouraging performance with an export value reaching RM196.72 billion, thus proving its importance as a major contributor to the national economy.
“Commodity industries such as palm oil, rubber, cocoa, pepper, kenaf and timber not only generate national income, but are also the backbone of the economy, providing job opportunities for hundreds of thousands of Malaysians, especially in rural areas,” she said at the TVET MyKomoditi 2026 programme here today.
Noraini said Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is now being promoted as the premier pathway, which promises a stable career guarantee, competitive income and excellent future prospects.
“To strengthen this agenda, the ministry, through the Institute of Malaysian Plantation and Commodities (IMPAC), has entered into strategic synergies with leading institutions such as Sarawak Skills, Sabah Skills and Technology Centre and RISDA College.
“This is to ensure that our trainees not only meet industry standards, but are also equipped with practical competencies along with a conducive learning environment, to form a generation ready to face real operational challenges,” she said.
At the ceremony, Noraini also witnessed the exchange of memorandums of agreement between IMPAC, TVET institutions and SD Guthrie, SALCRA Bhd, Genting Plantations and TH Plantations.
She said that through the initiative, a total of 300 apprentices from among local youth will hone their talents in the field of technical specialisation, namely as harvesting specialists and machine specialists.
-- BERNAMA
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