KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is set to host the first Malaysia International Cocoa Fair (MICF) from May 24 to May 27, Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin announces.
He said the fair’s upcoming debut here underscores the federal government’s commitment to supporting the state’s growing prominence in Malaysia’s cocoa industry.
“Sabah has long been a vital hub for cocoa production, and bringing MICF here is both symbolic and strategic,” he said in a statement on Friday (May 16).
He added that the federal government recognised the event as a golden opportunity to showcase the richness of Sabah’s cocoa to the world and urged more local players to participate.
Organised by the Malaysian Cocoa Board, the MICF will be a major international platform to promote Malaysian cocoa and foster collaboration between local and international industry players, said Chan. There will be a wide range of activities and lucky draw prizes worth over RM100,000 up for grabs.
Chan said that beyond serving as a strategic business platform, the MICF offers a rare opportunity for the public to explore Sabah’s cocoa industry and appreciate the craftsmanship behind chocolate-making through a variety of family-friendly activities.
“Visitors to the fair can look forward to seeing live chocolate-making demonstrations, chocolate tasting, cultural performances, learning about cocoa at the Cocoa Knowledge Hub, and the highly anticipated lucky draw,” he said.
According to the board, lucky draw prizes include a Perodua Axia, two units of all-terrain vehicle (ATV), motorcycles, electronic gadgets, household appliances, smartphones, hotel stay vouchers, and a variety of chocolate products.
MICF 2025 will take place at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), with free admission for all visitors.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani is scheduled to launch the event on May 26.
The four-day fair is expected to attract over 1,000 industry delegates for conferences and networking dinners, as well as 25,000 visitors.
