THE Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) has established a trade hub in Johor to transform Iskandar Malaysia into a cocoa center. MCB chairman Datuk Matbali Musah revealed that the trade hub and Cocoa Nexus developments are part of the National Agricommodity Policy 2021-2023. Matbali emphasized that Johor’s infrastructure, workforce, and connectivity, including its major ports for importing and exporting dry cocoa beans, as well as semi-finished and finished chocolate products, will strengthen the country’s cocoa production.
Matbali also highlighted Johor’s significant role in cocoa production, with 55 cocoa farmers cultivating a total of 52ha, making it the fourth largest cocoa producer in Peninsular Malaysia after Pahang, Perak, and Kelantan. Furthermore, Johor has three cocoa grinding centers and 11 chocolate and confectionery manufacturers. Under MCB’s guidance, Johor currently has 12 chocolatiers in Johor Baru, Pasir Gudang, Skudai, and Masai actively producing handmade chocolates.
The establishment of the Tanjung Piai Chocolate Entrepreneurship Centre in Pontian, the first of its kind in Johor, marks a significant milestone. Matbali stated that the center, which began operating on July 24 last year, includes a sales gallery and offers chocolate-making courses for chocolate entrepreneurs. Furthermore, its aim is to promote locally-made chocolate brands, particularly those from Johor.
In order to raise awareness about the center and its activities, MCB recently held an open day event. The two-day event showcased chocolate-making demonstrations and contests, entrepreneur-sharing sessions, and the sale of cocoa-based products. Matbali expressed hope that other agencies would organize similar programs at the center to foster more chocolate entrepreneurs and improve the quality of confectionery made in Johor. Ultimately, this initiative would create job opportunities for the locals, including the B40 community.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
