09/02/2012 (Bernama) - Malaysia exported RM130 billion worth of commodities last year, reflecting global acceptance of the country's products.

Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin said of the total, palm oil and upstream products accounted for RM80 billion, rubber-based products RM20 billion and commodities such as cocoa, kenaf and others RM30 billion.

The high export figures greatly benefited those involved in the respective sectors, he said.

"The country's total exports are expected to continue to rise this year following demand from other countries for Malaysian products," he told reporters after a session on "Students as a Catalyst for Unity" at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) here Wednesday.

Malaysia's commodities continue to be promoted in Japan, China, United States, Saudi Arabia and Europe, he said, adding the ministry will send more officers to promote Malaysian products and find new markets overseas.

"Efforts to introduce and promote the quality of Malaysian products are necessary in order to compete with products from other countries such as soybean oil," he added.