14/05/2012 (Daily Express) - More local skilled workers are needed to ensure the national commodities industry remains competitive and market-oriented.

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said given that the sector is the main contributor to the nation's growth, its key thrust, the National Commodity Policy, demands a large number of experts, professionals and skilled workers to develop it.

"As an effort to develop human capital, my ministry has set up the Institute of Malaysian and Commodities (Impac).

"It is a skills training institute set up to train youths and workers to fulfil the industry's workforce requirements," Dompok said during the launching of the "Hello Komoditi" programme, here, Saturday.

He said a variety of courses are being offered at Impac, such as chocolate making, furniture design and making, wood machine and technology operation, nursery maintenance, machine operators and officers in factories and plantations.

Meanwhile, Dompok also said the Ministry's programmes such as the Hello Komoditi will provide information on the Government's programmes, policy and agenda.

The programme has already been held in Sipitang, Kuala Penyu, Putatan, Bagan Serai in Perak and Kota Tinggi in Johor Baru.

He said such programmes will also provide information on the downstream and upstream activities and knowledge on jobs and training that are available for the public.

"Job opportunities in the sector are wide and many, and would be able to provide lucrative income and a bright future.

"I believe seminars and exhibitions organised will provide information on career opportunities in the plantation sector, including in agronomy, engineering and the entrepreneurial field to those interested.

"Many efforts have also been made to ensure interest in the entrepreneurial field on commodity-based businesses such as on biscuit-making, bread, cosmetics, chocolates, black pepper sauce, paper and food wrapper making," he said.

He said the National Commodity Policy, to oversee the development of the sector for 2011-2020, keeps a special focus on consistent, balanced and environmentally friendly growth.

Dompok, through the agencies under the ministry such as the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Malaysia Rubber Board, Malaysia Wood Based industries Board, National Kenaf Board and National Tobacco Board, is also looking at ways to improve the livelihood of the people.

He said in 2011, the national export income from commodities rose 24 per cent to RM141.2 billion compared to RM114.2 billion in 2010.

"This contributed to a total of 20.3 per cent from the total national income from exports of the same year.

"Palm oil made up the largest with 59.1 per cent or RM83.4 billion, followed by rubber with RM32.4 billion (22.9 per cent), timber produce RM19.8 billion (2.9 per cent) and finally tobacco and pepper with RM1.1 billion (0.8 per cent) and RM284 million (0.2 per cent) respectively," he said.

Dompok said the statistics are proof that the sector is vital and could generate a lucrative income to those involved in the sector, thus, urged the public to improve on their skills and knowledge.

He said this way farmers could be more creative and innovative in their bid to double their output and produce commodities worthy of international recognition.

Among present at the event were Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Wilfred Bumburing, Malaysian Wood Industry Board Chairman Datuk Madius Tangau, Ministry Deputy Secretary Mohd Sanuri Shahid and Tuaran District Officer Madiyem Layapan.

Seminars on commodity plants were also held and booths by agencies set up to provide information on the industry for the Tamparuli locals.