KUCHING: Efforts to strengthen quality control and improve market efficiency in Malaysia’s pepper industry have delivered tangible results, with faster trade processes and globally recognised testing standards now in place, said Plantation and Commodities Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
She said that Malaysian Pepper Board’s (MPB) Quality Control Laboratories in Kuching, Sibu and Sarikei have achieved MS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation, ensuring that testing and analytical results for local pepper products are recognised at the international level.
“This accreditation is critical in ensuring the credibility of Malaysia’s pepper quality and in strengthening buyer confidence, particularly in premium global markets,” she said in her speech, which was read by Deputy Secretary-General (Plantation and Commodities), Datuk Razali Mohamad, at the Malaysia Pepper Conference and Expo 2025 (MAPEC 2025) at the Kuching Waterfront today.
She said MPB has also implemented an accelerated grading and certification system, reducing processing time from two days to one day.
“The shorter turnaround time improves trade flow, expedites export clearance, and reduces the risk of shipment delays, penalties and contract cancellations,” she added.
On infrastructure and upstream strengthening, Noraini said the government continues to prioritise improved access and productivity for pepper smallholders, particularly in rural and interior areas.
“Under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), a total of 32 farm roads were constructed nationwide at a cost of RM10.3 million, improving access to farming areas, lowering operating costs and strengthening supply chain efficiency,” she said.
She said previous initiatives under RMK-12 also saw the development of 721 hectares of new pepper cultivation areas involving 5,202 smallholders, while 2,043 hectares of mature pepper farms received maintenance support, benefiting 11,675 smallholders.
In terms of technology and innovation, Noraini said MPB has adopted drone technology and hyperspectral imaging to monitor crop health, detect diseases and improve farm planning accuracy.
“These technologies enable more precise farm management and early intervention, which are crucial in enhancing productivity and sustainability,” she said.
The innovations earned a Gold Award at the Borneo International Technology Expo (INTEX) 2025 and a Silver Award in the Public Service Innovation Asia category at the Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) 2025.
She added that MPB has also introduced mechanisation and Internet of Things (IoT)-based white pepper processing machines to improve efficiency and competitiveness, which received a Silver Award at MTE 2024.
To further support smallholders, she said MPB developed mobile applications such as LadaGo, Dr LADA and NutriLada, all of which can be used offline and are suitable for areas with limited internet connectivity.
On sustainability, Noraini said MPB continues to promote Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices through MyGAP and MyOrganik certification.
“As of the first quarter of 2025, 10 pepper smallholders in Ulu Katibas have successfully obtained MyGAP certification, and under the 13th Malaysia Plan, we are targeting at least 20 per cent or 2,000 hectares of pepper farms to be MyGAP-certified by 2030,” she said.
She said these measures are vital to ensuring the long-term competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of Malaysia’s pepper industry.
