Kota Kinabalu: Community involvement in Cocoa Cluster Cooperatives (KKK) can enhance cocoa productivity at all levels, including upstream, midstream, and downstream, said Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Chan Foong Hin.
He stated that KKK, through the three cooperative—Koperasi Kluster Koko Sabah Berhad (KKKSB), Sarawak Cocoa Cluster Cooperative Berhad (3KQ), and Peninsular Cocoa Cluster Cooperative Berhad (KKKSeB)—can encourage cocoa cultivation and ensure small farmers receive fair prices for their crops.
“KKKSB, with 349 members; 3KQ, with 237 members; and KKKSeB, with 124 members, each received an initial fund of RM500,000 from the KKK Development Program under the Malaysian Cocoa Board's (LKM) Cooperative Development Project, totaling RM1.5 million,” he said.
“Compared to the standard market price, the KKK offers a more reasonable and profitable price for each kilogram of dry cocoa beans sold by farmers, ensuring their continued income.
“The business model of dried cocoa beans implemented by the KKK aims to inspire cocoa farmers across State stay relevant in the industry by stabilizing prices and providing convenient door-to-door services.
“We organize and train them in price negotiations to ensure that small farmers are not disadvantaged when dealing with manufacturers,” he said after officiating the KKK Strengthening and Sustainability Workshop at a leading hotel, here, on Friday. He said the involvement of the KKK in the dry cocoa bean production chain positions them as key traders in each region in maintain a strong relationships with manufacturers and the chocolate industry.
Besides cocoa beans, KKK also markets chocolate products made by LKM and local entrepreneurs through direct sales and exhibitions.
Meanwhile, the workshop, organized in collaboration with the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM), the Malaysian Cooperative Institute (IKMa), and Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (Angkasa), was attended by 30 participants.
Also present was LKM Chairman Datuk Matbali Musah and LKM Director General Datuk Dr. Ramle Hj Kasin.
“The KKK Strategic Plan is being developed to ensure these cooperatives progress in wholesale, retail, agriculture, agro-based industries, plantations, innovation and technology, as well as tourism,” Chan said.
Accordingly, Cooperative Board Members (ALK) and the Cooperative Sustainability Unit at the LKM Cocoa Cluster Complex will collaborate and hold regular meetings to discuss and advance cooperative development activities and programs.
He said these efforts aim to continuously benefit the cocoa industry, especially cocoa farmers, cocoa entrepreneurs, and chocolate producers.
Chan hopes this workshop will allow farmers to share experiences and best practices, strengthening the network of cooperatives across the country.
