SCALING UP SMEs IN PEPPER INDUSTRY

Sarawak produces some of the best quality peppers in the world. In fact Sarawak pepper has found its way into many highly reputable restaurant kitchens around the globe. The Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB) continues to strive hard to ensure this.

A federal statutory body under the Ministry of Plantation Industries & Commodities and headquartered in Kuching, MPB was established on Jan 1, 2007 under the Malaysian Pepper Board Act 2006. Its task is to develop the pepper industry in Malaysia, particularly in the areas of production, marketing, and research. small and medium-sized businesses, via their Entrepreneur Development Programme. The scheme is targeted at entrepreneurs who produce pepper products (white or black pepper) or pepper-based products with potential for market development, as well as Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) registered under the “PKS Bimbingan Lembaga Lada Malaysia.”

The board’s development programme for downstream entrepreneurs was created to increase entrepreneurial engagement and further strengthen the pepper industry. It will also elevate local entrepreneurs to think and act globally, while at the same time encourage and support SMEs, as well as to explore both local and international markets. The objectives of the programme are to produce more dynamic downstream entrepreneurs in producing pepper and pepper-based products; increase productivity and strengthen business networks through market-driven activities such as exhibitions and expos; and expose entrepreneurs to business-related information via entrepreneurial mentoring activities.

Funding can be granted to qualified SMEs for support in purchase of processing machinery and equipment for value-added activities for pepper. This is subject to terms and conditions. Consultations and guidance by relevant experts, entrepreneurship training, and participation in local and international exhibitions are also offered. These would greatly benefit the downstream entrepreneurs. More than 30 SMEs have benefited from the scheme, and many are already selling their products in supermarkets, mini markets and grocery stores locally and beyond.