Photo: Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Sales of biokenaf tea have reached RM20.06mil as of Sept 30, 2025, reflecting strong public demand since its launch in September 2024, says Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Chan Foong Hin (pic).
He said the product, developed by local research institutions, was popular for its health benefits, including improving metabolism, lowering cholesterol, enhancing insulin function and supporting weight management.
“The ministry remains committed to ensuring stable agricommodity prices. Biokenaf tea shows how research and innovation can diversify our commodity sector,” he told the Dewan Rakyat during the winding-up of the ministry’s Budget 2026 allocation at the committee stage on Monday (Nov 10).
Chan said the Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN) had targeted 2,500ha of kenaf cultivation in 2025, involving 846 smallholders. Of this, 1,200ha were for fibre production, 300ha for seed production, and 1,000ha for animal feed.
As of Oct 31, 1,763.36ha had been planted, involving 735 smallholders and 12 entrepreneurs. This included 808.16ha for fibre, 311.5ha for seed, and 643.7ha for feed.
Since 2024, LKTN has expanded kenaf development to Sabah and Sarawak through partnerships with private and state agencies. Initiatives include establishing storage and seed supply facilities and developing processing centres.
In Sabah, LKTN and the Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB) are developing a 100ha kenaf feed plantation in Sook, Keningau.
The government’s Kenaf Ultimate Result (KUR) initiative aims to produce high-quality, premium fibre, attract participation from target groups, create value chains, and increase smallholders’ incomes through processing activities.
The government hopes to elevate kenaf to the same level as palm oil, rubber and cocoa in driving the growth of Malaysia’s plantation and commodity sectors.
