ALOR SETAR, June 16 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry of Malaysia is planning to set up a chocolate entrepreneur hub in Langkawi island (in northern state Kedah) to boost the cocoa commodity sector in the country while increasing tourism products in the island.
Its minister Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said the country is now among the leading suppliers of blended cocoa but in respect of cocoa production, its production is still low.
“Malaysia is the first cocoa supplier in Asia and the fifth in the world. Therefore, we have to take this opportunity to establish a chocolate hub.
“Grants and funding would be provided by the ministry. In the early stage it would involve 20 selected entrepreneurs,” he told reporters during a working visit Tuesday.
The chocolate hub project would open opportunities particularly for the youth who are keen to participate in the cocoa production sector he said, adding that those who are qualified would be selected by the state.
For a start said Dr Mohd Khairuddin, participants would receive a grant of US$701 (RM3,000, US$1 = RM4.27) in the form of machines as well as training and the amount would be increased according to the need.
Besides Kedah, there are plans to create similar hubs in other states including Terengganu, Pulau Pinang and Pahang.
“For Kedah, we are planning it in Langkawi, the government would provide the site or place to set up a small factory and sell it directly to many people including tourists. It would also become a new tourism product for Kedah,” he said.
— NNN-BERNAMA