Success of the MICF 2025 and Future Plans

Datuk Ramle (fifth right) with his entourage greeted by villagers at Kg Lokos

28 May 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Ramle Kasin, Director General of the Malaysia Cocoa Board, reflected on the success of the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF), held from 24 to 27 May 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), and shared insights into the future development of Malaysia’s cocoa industry.

Regarding the next edition of MICF, he said, “We do have plans to organise it again in 2027, but the date is not fixed yet. Typically, we hold it every four years, although we were unable to organise it for 11 years previously. The responsibility to hold it this year was crucial; it was successfully executed. We are considering Sabah again, possibly in Kota Kinabalu, but it’s open. We might also consider Kuala Lumpur or other locations. As long as our office remains here, we prefer to host it in Sabah, as there are many things we can share with the world from here. With future developments, we can host it here or elsewhere in Malaysia.”

On the MICF’s success, Ramle shared, “Overall, I think it’s more than successful. We’ve been preparing for this event for the past two years, visiting several places to understand how to organise the best conference, exhibition, and dinner.” 

Datuk Ramle speaking to the press

“The feedback has been very positive; visitors and industry players particularly appreciated Sabah’s local culture and the quality of the papers presented. The exhibition is highly recognised, and there is certainly room for improvement, especially as we plan for future developments. We need to adapt and enhance based on industry needs and technological advancements. Continuous improvement is key, and I fully agree with that.”

He also highlighted collaborations with major brands, notably Nestlé Kit Kat, which has incorporated Borneo-produced cocoa into its products. “In future, there are plans to introduce more co-branded products from Sabah with other brands,” he said. 

Discussions with Nestlé and several other companies, some of which he cannot name publicly yet, indicate a growing interest in using Sabah’s cocoa for new products. Many of these companies plan to revisit their home countries, mainly in Europe, to strategise further steps, including establishing fairer income mechanisms for farmers. Nestlé, for example, previously paid around RM10 per unit of cocoa and now offers incentives, with plans to implement contract farming aligned with their production targets.

Members of the entourage to the farm visit

Addressing the quality of cocoa seedlings, Ramle explained, “Malaysia Cocoa Board (MCB) plans to produce resilient, pest-resistant seedlings for Sabah’s farmers. These seedlings will be stronger and better able to resist pests and fungi.” 

He elaborated on pest control strategies, which involve two main threats: insects and fungi. “Insects land on the fruit, lay eggs, and hatch into larvae that invade and damage the contents. Fungal spots can cause seeds to harden. We’ve conducted extensive research and development, understanding their ecosystem and life cycle, and advise farmers to monitor early signs of pest arrival, such as specific smells, to prevent significant damage.”

He detailed efforts in biological and chemical control, including developing cloned cocoa trees resistant to pests and diseases, and creating thicker pods with more pulp to deter pests. 

He also mentioned that the government supports farmers through training, providing seedlings, and distributing pest control chemicals free of charge, funded by the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Currently, Sabah’s cocoa planting area covers approximately 3,500 hectares, mainly in higher, hilly terrains such as Ranau, Nabawan, Kota Marudu, and Tenom, with land suitability estimated at 75–80%.

On government support, he said, “We encourage farmers through various programmes, including cocoa rehabilitation, new planting, and training courses to transfer the latest technology. We also supply ploughs and pest control chemicals at no cost, as long as funds are available. With favourable market prices, I strongly urge farmers to make their own efforts, as the inputs we provide cover only about 60–70% of their needs. Farmers must ensure their trees are healthy and well-nourished to maximise production.”

In terms of industry prospects, he expressed optimism about the future of cocoa farming in Malaysia. “Many youth associations are interested in cocoa cultivation. Our Minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, actively encourages youth participation. For example, a recent group from rural areas expressed their desire to plant cocoa. Sabah doesn’t face major labour issues because many young people remain loyal to the industry. We are also promoting technology to monitor soil nutrients and pest activity, which can help farmers reduce waste and optimise pest control efforts. Currently, pest attacks occur approximately every two weeks; adopting new technology can improve efficiency.”

Regarding the lifespan of cocoa trees, he explained, “From seed, they take 3–6 months to sprout, then develop into seedlings over the next 1–2 months. Grafted trees can start bearing fruit within two years, with peak production between four and ten years. Properly maintained, a cocoa tree can last 20–25 years, and some beyond that. When they reach around 25 years, they are often pruned or replaced with new grafts to sustain productivity.”

He concluded with a reflection on Malaysia’s position in the global cocoa industry. “The potential is significant. As consumer demand for authentic, unadulterated cocoa grows, Malaysia’s focus on high-quality, original cocoa positions us well for future growth. Although we are not yet among the top cocoa producers in Asia, with cooperation, available land, and ongoing replanting efforts, we anticipate a 20–30% increase in production over the next five to ten years. With the current favourable market trends, Malaysia could see substantial growth in the coming decade.”

“The idea to organise MICF again came from observing increasing industry interest and consumer demand for cocoa. We wanted to ensure this momentum continues to support the development of our industry.”

On today’s trip to Kg Lokos, Tamparuli, he said, “Our visit today to the cocoa farm owned by James Kango in Kg Lokos, Tamparuli, was organised to bring delegates and conference participants, as well as some of our exhibitors, to observe firsthand how our farmers manage their farms — from their cultural practices to engaging in discussions. Most of these visitors are from overseas, so I believe that visits like this can help broaden their understanding of our local culture, as well as showcase the natural beauty of Sabah.”