Potential of Tenom becoming a pepper production hub imminent

16 August 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG: The participation of approximately 300 people in a recent talk about pepper cultivation could significantly position Tenom as a notable black pepper producer.

United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Tenom Division head Junik Bajit told Nabalu News that the response was very good, as it also included 50 party members who were keen to listen to the talk with a view of embarking in the venture.

Held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Tenom Sports Complex, the enthusiasm was evident with the attention they accorded to the speakers during the event.

Junik said most of the participants were pepper growers but were still on a stage where they were struggling, which could be a bit discouraging.

According to him the talk was a great source of encouragement as

Datuk Chan Foong Hin, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security who officiated the event was on hand to speak to them about pepper planting and it's feasiblity as a source of income.

He stated that the average price of black pepper for July 2024 is RM24.46 per kilogram, an increase of 68.8% compared to January 2024, due to the rise in pepper commodity prices.

Meanwhile, the average price of white pepper is around RM31.05 per kilogram, which is 30.8% higher than the price recorded in January 2024.

Junik said given that Sabah has topographical advantages, with soil types and landforms similar to those in Sarawak, it is very suitable for the residents of Sabah, particularly in Tenom, to cultivate pepper as an alternative source of income.

He said six individuals were given RM2,300 from the ministry as an incentive. The money would go towards their pepper plantation's management and expansion.

"I have urged the community, especially agricultural entrepreneurs in the Tenom District, to start pepper cultivation in this area as it is a lucrative venture."

According to him, they have to be tenacious with the endeavours if they want to be successful in this venture.

Also in attendance were Riduan Rubin, Member of Parliament for Tenom, Senator Noorita Sual, and Dennison R. Indang, a member of the Malaysian Pepper Board, who facilitated Tenom's opportunity to host this programme.