KUALA LUMPUR:The Plantation and Commodities Ministry will request for an increase of allocations for its oil palm replanting initiatives under the 2025 Budget, which is expected to be tabled in October.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, said the initiative was among several programmes to reduce the country's dependence on commodity imports.
"Oil palm replanting is among the initiatives that we want to carry out, but it requires allocations.
"We will raise the matter with the Finance Ministry. At the same time, we will also request for an increase in allocations to implement the oil palm replanting initiatives under the 2025 Budget," said Johari.
The Umno vice-president and Titiwangsa member of parliament said this after visiting the ministry's booth at the party's general assembly here today (Friday).
Johari had previously said the country exported close to RM160 billion worth of commodities and related products per annum, with palm oil accounting for the biggest share at more than RM100 billion.
Another initiative that the ministry would be focusing on was the revival of old rubber smallholdings.
"We want to persuade smallholders, who are no longer interested in managing their rubber plantations, to allow them to be managed by a cooperative since the land belongs to them.
"If we can carry out these initiatives, I believe we can reduce the country's imports and the government will be able to generate more income in future," he said.
Johari was also asked about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit to India.
He said the visit reflected the strong ties between Malaysia and India.
"India has also lifted its restriction of rice exports (to Malaysia). This shows that both countries can engage in trade without any restrictions. India is also the largest importer of rubber," he said.