Strong plantation sector secures S’wak as TVET MyKomoditi 2026 hub, 300 youths targeted

Sarawak’s plantation sector continues to play a significant role in Malaysia’s commodity exports, which reached RM196.72 billion in 2025.

By Amanda L

KUCHING, May 4: Sarawak has been selected as a key location for the TVET MyKomoditi 2026 programme based on its strong plantation ecosystem, resource base and contribution to commodity industries, with 300 participants targeted in the initial phase.

Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the decision reflects Sarawak’s strategic importance in Malaysia’s agrocommodity landscape and its role in supporting national development objectives.

According to her, the State’s well-developed plantation sector and active participation in major commodity value chains made it an ideal starting point for the programme.

“Sarawak has the capacity, resources and ecosystem to support structured development of skilled talent in the agrocommodity sector,” she said when launching the programme here today. An audio recording of her speech was later shared with DayakDaily.

She said the initial cohort of 300 trainees would serve as a foundation for future expansion of the programme, depending on industry outcomes and demand.

Participants will undergo structured training and industry exposure aimed at strengthening practical skills and improving employability within the sector.

The programme is jointly organised by the Malaysian Plantation and Commodities Institute (IMPAC) and Sarawak Skills, with a focus on equipping youths with technical competencies aligned with industry requirements.

Training will cover specialised areas including harvesting and machinery operations, supported by modules developed in collaboration with industry players.

Noraini said the agrocommodity sector is undergoing a structural shift, moving away from labour-intensive practices towards greater use of agrotechnology, automation and digital systems.

She noted that the sector recorded export earnings of RM196.72 billion in 2025, reflecting its continued importance as a contributor to national economic growth and rural employment.

However, she said the industry continues to face challenges in attracting local talent due to persistent perceptions of plantation work as “3D” — dirty, dangerous and difficult.

“TVET provides a pathway to address this gap by offering structured, industry-driven training that leads to skilled and higher-value career opportunities,” she said. — DayakDaily