National Kenaf and Tobacco Board to use only local kenaf seeds next year

KOTA BHARU - The National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN) will only use local kenaf seeds next year, as they are more suitable with the local ecology compared to previous imported seeds.

Its director-general Idris Mohd Salleh said currently, 1,500 hectares throughout the country are being planted with kenaf for this purpose.

"The crop is used for two purposes, the production of kenaf stems and seeds for next year’s kenaf crop. We no longer import seeds from abroad and we will take the approach of preparing our own products that are more suitable with the local ecology,” he told reporters after launching the board’s Merdeka Tour and Jalur Gemilang Flag Flying programme here today.

Idris said the board was now working to get the cooperation of the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) to expand promotions of kenaf planting to the communities.

"The partnership will allow promotion of kenaf planting to expand to Orang Asli areas through a series of visits to those localities and offer them a chance to generate income.

"Currently, Orang Asli involvement in kenaf production is ongoing in Pahang but only covers processing and harvesting work, not planting,” he said.

Idris also said that 18,000 tobacco and tobacco product distribution licences were registered till August this year since registrations without fees became effective on Jan 1 this year in Peninsular Malaysia.

The board projects that 40,000 business premises will obtain such licences before the fees take effect in January 2024, as compounds will be issued to those who fail to do so. - BERNAMA