National pepper production is projected to reach 32,000 metric tonnes in 2025, with exports valued at RM824.10 million since 2021.
KUCHING: National pepper production is projected to reach 32,000 metric tonnes by the end of this year.
Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the industry remains a key pillar of the country’s agro-commodity sector.
She acknowledged the sector faces challenges like global price fluctuations, international competition, and climate change impacts.
“Nevertheless, I would like to emphasise that despite facing various challenges, the national pepper industry continues to show positive growth,” she said.
Her speech text was delivered at the Malaysia Pepper Conference and Expo 2025 by Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Razali Mohamad.
Between 2021 and October 2025, national pepper exports reached 29,624 metric tonnes valued at RM824.10 million.
From 2021 to September 2025, the pepper commodity contributed approximately RM10.71 billion to the national GDP.
This was part of the total RM405.71 billion contribution from the overall commodity sector GDP.
Beyond food products, pepper is now also used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
An estimated 30 to 40% of local pepper production supplies the domestic market.
As of November 2025, 39,259 registered pepper farmers were cultivating 8,255.1 hectares nationwide.
The farmers are registered under the Malaysian Pepper Board’s E-Pekebun System.
