Malaysia Fruit's Supply Chain Issues and Chanllenges

Issues and Challenges

1) Inconsistent supply and quality of fruits
2) Unorganised fruit small holdings, small individual farm units
3) Unsuitability of fruit varieties for most downstream processing
4) Limited local market
5) Inadequate technology - post harvest handling, mechanization, package technology for pest control
6) Marketing chain problem
7) Inadequate transport, handling facilities and storage facilities
8) High transport cost
9) Packaging quality and cleanliness
10)Little or no incentive to improve produce quality as higher quality is not rewarded by better prices at farm level
11)Lack of direct trader-farmer linkages / access to market
12) No traceability
13) Growing concern over product quality and safety
14) Reported deaths from fresh fruit consumption
15) High pesticide residue detected in fruits
16) Bacterial infection fruits
17) Customers are more demanding
18) Quality and safety
19) Cost competitiveness
20) Competition has intensified at the international front
21) Deregulation - low cost producers
22) Increasing non-tariff barriers - stringent standards, labelling, sanitary and phytosanitary measures
23) Globalization - aggregation and consolidation, market saturation
Improved technology - transport and logistics, communication, biotechnology


Strategic Direction and Thrust

1) Development objective (NAP3)
2) Ensure adequate and reliable supply of high quality and safe fruits to meet domestic demand for fresh as well as for the processing industries
3) Develop the fruit industry based on strategic advantage of selected fruits and capitalized the niche international markets for fresh tropical fruits and fruit products
4) Increasing efficiency and productivity
5) Ensuring consistent supply of quality produce
6) Encourage nucleus fruit estates
7) Group planting
8) Permanent food production zones
9) Adoption of Good Agricultural Practices
10) Increasing marketing efficiency
11) Promotion of direct marketing
12) Contract farming
13) Promoting private sector participation
14) Large scale fruit production and processing
15) Provide investment incentives
16) Developing and transforming small producers to large scale entrepreneurs
17) Provision of incentives, support services and facilities
18) Focus on selected fruit types
19) At the national level 13 fruits types have been identified
20) The state needs to identify priority fruits based on market demand and its competitive advantage
21) Strengthening marketing capabilities
22) Marketing research
23) Market promotion
24) Developing Malaysian brand
25) Intensified R&D
26) Pest and disease control
27) New varieties
28) Post harvest technology - reduce spoilage and extended shelf life
29) New products
30) Strengthening infrastructures
31) Farm collection centre
32) Packing house facilities
33) Trading centre and whole sale markets

Pulau Perhentian Review

Located at the north-eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. About 21 km off shores the remote town of Kuala Besut. There are two lovely unspoiled island lie amidst exquisitely clear waters. Pulau Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian) and Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian) comprise the Perhentian Island, aptly named after "henti"(stop) as fishermen from mainland Kelantan and Terengganu have, for centuries, stopped over at the island for a rest or to shelter during a major storm. A rocky virgin jungle provides hour of adventures for trekkers who may chance upon flying fox, long-tailed macaques and monitor lizards, while the underneath marine life shows off a splendid garden of coral.

Perhentian Besar
As most of Perhentian Besar's interior is covered by virgin tropical jungle, hiking and trekking are there possible recreational pursuits. A luxury resort here can be booked for accommodation .At trip to this lush and exotic tropical island is a must for all nature lovers and those who enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing, swimming, wind surfing, sailing, boating and canoeing.

Perhentian Kecil
Claimed to be one of the best getaway beaches in the world among travellers and tourist. Long beaches (locally known as Pasir Panjang) prides itself with long stretch of sandy beach of fine sand with crystal clear water up to a depth of 20ft. Calm waters make you feel as you are in a very large swimming pool !

Corals are awaiting for you

The waters of the Indo-Pacific are renowned for their colourful corals. With over 70 genera and prolific growth-rate in the clear visibility, the reefs around Malaysia offer beautiful expanses of corals that are reminiscent of flower gardens.

Soft tree corals, cup corals, sea fans, sponges and some stony corals, quite literally, make colourful coral gardens.

The Secret Sea

Many divers dash around the reef hoping to see large creatures but detailed observation of small areas can be equally rewarding, especially when visibility is low. Looking for smaller creatures or those that are well camouflaged, photographers witness intriguing behaviours that often go unnoticed.

Knowledge of marine subjects will enhance your appreciation of the marine ecosystem. Predators are most active at dawn and dusk, small creatures hide in corals or the spines of urchins, others conceal themselves on similar coloured substrates and several organisms live in symbiosis with others.

The Living Seas

Beneath Malaysia's waves, many creatures live out their life relatively close to their place of birth. We also find pelagic fish that roam the open sea and turtles, which migrate over enormous distances. From large Manta Rays and whales to tiny single-celled algae, from huge shoals of barracuda and caranx to solitary blennies and nudibranchs, Malaysia is truly a country surrounded by living seas.

Genting Highland Review

Genting Highlands is one of the most famous integrated entertainment resort in Malaysia. It is located 58 kilometres away from Kuala Lumpur (only about an hour's ride) and as it is high up on the mountain, the air is cool and temperature is lower compared to Kuala Lumpur. There are a few hotels in the resort ranging from five star to budget.

Genting Highlands is a place for the whole family. So much to do and you don't know where to start. I would like to share with you my experience and what I have observed so that you would be able to maximise your time there.

How to get there:
Express bus:
Genting buses depart from 4 places in Kuala Lumpur. The most convenient for foreigners would be KL Sentral. KL Sentral is also the station for the Kuala Lumpur International Airport express train. Various ways to get to KL Sentral include LRT, KTM and taxi.

There's a dedicated counter on 2nd floor of KL Sentral that sells the Genting bus tickets. The bus will take you to the cable car station in Gohtong Jaya and you will need to take the cable car to the summit.

The cable car ride is about 11 minutes and it is the longest in South East Asia.

One way bus + cable car ride is RM8.30 (approx. £1.20)

If you are planning to go there for a day trip, then it is worth purchasing the 'Go Genting Package' : Return bus rides + return cable car rides + buffet lunch or outdoor theme park day ride pass is only RM39 (approx. £5.50). On weekdays, it is even cheaper (only RM26).

You can also take a limousine from Kuala Lumpur International Airport or from Puduraya bus station (the main bus station in Kuala Lumpur). If you are going to take Genting's own limousine, you need to book in advance. Otherwise, go straight to Puduraya bus station and taxis are readily available all the time. Rates for Genting's limousine is available on the website.

Please note: limousines go all the way up to Genting Highlands resort so you will not be able to take the cable car ride. However, you will be able to purchase a discounted cable car ride ticket at the counter when you flash your room key. The cable car ride is highly recommended.

What is there to do :
Casino, outdoor theme park, indoor theme park, entertainment shows, shopping and eating etc
Casino: A few casinos in the resort and they are all huge. Lots and lots of games. Note that you should not wear sandals/slippers as they will not allow entry.

Outdoor theme park: More expensive on peak days (weekends & Malaysia school holidays). 1 day pass is RM37 (approx. £5) if you purchase online. 2 days pass is RM59 (approx. £8.4). They also see express pass for RM56 (1 day). Tickets can be purchased online and they are usually cheaper.

Indoor theme park: Also more expensive on peak days. RM26 for 1 day and RM42 for 2 days. If you would like to visit both theme parks, I would suggest buying a '2 Parks + 1 FREE Wet Park Deal' at only RM82 for 2 days. On peak days, it would not be possible to finish all rides as the crowd is similar to those in Disneyland. However, if you visit Genting during non-peak periods, 1 day is enough for both theme parks.

Entrance to game arcade is free.

Entertainment shows: There are various entertainment shows every night including concerts. Coming soon: Michael Learns to Rock Live and International Jazz Festival. If you are going to stay overnight, I would recommend you to check out the shows on Genting's website before deciding which day you would like to spend your night there.

Others:

Lots of other things to do. First World Plaza (adjacent to First World Hotel) has its own cinema, bowling centre, snooker centre, archery, games arcade etc.

Where to stay:

If you are looking for a decent room + cheap rates, First World Hotel (3 stars) is highly recommended. The cheapest room (Standard) is about RM130 (approx. £19) but without breakfast.

On the website, there are room packages which usually include buffet breakfast, return cable car ride, 25% discount on outdoor theme park rides and meal vouchers for 2.

Genting is truly a place for everyone. No matter how short your stay is in Malaysia, I'd say it's a must to visit Genting. Or at least the cable car ride. You will never forget those breath-taking views and you will also be amazed at the size of this resort so high up the mountain (2000 metres above sea level).

Penang Island Jazz Festival 2007. See you there!

It’s high time for another major jazz festival and it looks like this year, proceedings move north to Penang. JASON CHEAH sneaks a preview for the upcoming Penang Island Jazz Festival.

SO THE homegrown jazz scene rises and ebbs. In the absence of a Philips International Jazz Festival this year, it?s up to the Northern set to take the bull by its horns and continue the somewhat patchy revival of the live jazz scene, although a healthy mention must go for the International Kuching Jazz Festival held in late August.


Come December, the Penang Island Jazz Festival brightens up the Batu Ferringhi beachside surrounds with some much-awaited live music atmosphere and festival buzz. The Penang Island Jazz Festival is scheduled for Dec 4 and 5 at the Bayview Beach Resort Garden, Batu Ferringhi, Penang.

?There is a growing festival-going culture in this country ? people are more aware about festivals and want to be a part of them. You?ve seen how consistency and commitment has made the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak such a success. We plan to start something on an annual basis with the Penang Island Jazz Festival, and there is a fabulous ?people? vibe in Penang to make it worth the trip,? said Paul Augustin, festival director and founder of Capricorn Connection, the organisers of the event.

?If we get the same word of mouth buzz, you?re looking at a great, fun festival ahead,? he added.


Australia?s Idea of North is one of the biggest draws at the festival.
The eclectic line up of the inaugural jazz festival include:

Malaysia?s leading ethnic percussive fusion performing group combines and integrates the various rhythms, drums, percussions and melodies of the East and West effectively. Since its formation in 1988, the group has released an album, Colours of Rhythm and been invited to perform in a number of festivals including the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak and the Sunrise Jazz Festival.

One of the main attractions of the festival, this World Fusion Jazz outfit formed just one year ago, and comprises a South Korea-Singapore-Malaysia combo with Lee Jeong Sik (saxophone), Farid Ali (guitar and gambus), Andy Peterson (bass) and Mohd Noor (drums and percussions). Since the band?s inaugural performance at the LG Arts Centre in Seoul, Asian Spirits has begun to create a buzz in the international arena, having appeared at the PORI Jazz Festival in Finland last July and the inaugural Jarasum International Jazz Festival in South Korea last month.

Double Take

Talented Sabahan duo Roger Wang (guitarist) and Mia Palencia?s (vocals) delivery of unique jazz-styled arrangements in their own simple and effective way has enthralled local audiences as well as gained fans from Singapore and Brunei. Debut album release One Voice, Six Strings, Twelve Moods was indeed a breath of fresh air in a stagnant jazz recording arena in this country.

The Idea of North

One of the biggest draws of this festival it would seem. Coming back to Malaysia after appearing at the Philips International Jazz Festival in Kuala Lumpur last year, Australia?s only fully professional vocal quartet is a rising force to reckon with, they have reinvented a cappella and taken it to new heights. Eight years in the fray and Naomi Crellin (soprano), Nick Begbie (tenor), Trish Delaney-Brown (alto) and Andrew Piper (bass) already have four highly acclaimed album releases to their credit.

Juwita Suwito

Her debut album, Brand New World, has brought Suwito into the mainstream and she?s another fast rising artiste. The vocal coach for pop competition Malaysian Idol is in her own element with her vocal versatility.

Jazzo-Crats

This combo is one of the longest surviving jazz outfits from Penang, founded sometime in the 1970s. Playing a wide range of styles from smooth jazz to blues to Latin jazz and swing, founders Jack Mohamed (bass) and William Scully (saxophone) are joined by Franco (drums) and Leonard (keyboards).

Jeep Jazz Trio

Formed in 1998, Penang-based music educators by day and jazz musicians by night; Razif (Jeep) Mohd (piano), Jasmi Budin (drums) and Zaki Ani (bass) have played the Philips International Jazz Festival, as well as the Sunrise Jazz Festival. A debut album Midnite Stretch in 2001 features original instrumentals pieces composed by Jeep.

Tonal Alchemy

Another Penang-based jazz outfit that started off as the Wilson Jazz Trio in 1996. Led by its founder Wilson Quah, and now comprising Franco (on drums), Chong Chee (bass) and Ruby Rozell(vocals), theirs is a jazz journey spiriting through the swing-era to hard bop, cool jazz era and Dixieland.

Steve Thornton LPJ Group

The other massive draw is one dear to the hearts of jazz fans in Malaysia. One of the best percussionists in the world today, Malaysian-based Thornton has been hanging around jazz names for years and has appeared with legends in the music scene such as Harry Belafonte (oh, yes), Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Ayers, Grover Washington Jr, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Sadao Watanabe, Tania Maria and David Sanborn.

YAA Quartet featuring

Atsuko Kawahara

From Japan comes the Yokohama Association of Artists, comprising Yuko Shirota (piano), Yasushi Ishii (bass), Kenji Matsuura (drums), Masatoshi Tominaga (saxophone) and featuring Atsuko Kawahara on vocals.

Shelley Leong & Band

Shelley Leong is no stranger to the homegrown folk-pop scene with her debut album Storyteller. But as much as she is an evocative acoustic-based artiste, the personable Leong has also proven her liking for jazz and bossa nova flourishes. This versatile singer, in her jazz mode, is bound to charm the festival crowd.


The Penang Island Jazz Festival is scheduled for Dec 4 and 5 at the Bayview Beach Resort Garden, Batu Ferringhi, Penang. Watch out for various workshops too. Browse www.penang jazz.com for more info and event schedules. Tickets at RM33 per day available at all Axcess ticket outlets now. For bookings, call 03-7711 5000, or browse www.axcess.com.my.

Penang Island Jazz Festival 2007. See you there!

It’s high time for another major jazz festival and it looks like this year, proceedings move north to Penang. JASON CHEAH sneaks a preview for the upcoming Penang Island Jazz Festival.

SO THE homegrown jazz scene rises and ebbs. In the absence of a Philips International Jazz Festival this year, it?s up to the Northern set to take the bull by its horns and continue the somewhat patchy revival of the live jazz scene, although a healthy mention must go for the International Kuching Jazz Festival held in late August.


Come December, the Penang Island Jazz Festival brightens up the Batu Ferringhi beachside surrounds with some much-awaited live music atmosphere and festival buzz. The Penang Island Jazz Festival is scheduled for Dec 4 and 5 at the Bayview Beach Resort Garden, Batu Ferringhi, Penang.

?There is a growing festival-going culture in this country ? people are more aware about festivals and want to be a part of them. You?ve seen how consistency and commitment has made the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak such a success. We plan to start something on an annual basis with the Penang Island Jazz Festival, and there is a fabulous ?people? vibe in Penang to make it worth the trip,? said Paul Augustin, festival director and founder of Capricorn Connection, the organisers of the event.

?If we get the same word of mouth buzz, you?re looking at a great, fun festival ahead,? he added.


Australia?s Idea of North is one of the biggest draws at the festival.
The eclectic line up of the inaugural jazz festival include:

Malaysia?s leading ethnic percussive fusion performing group combines and integrates the various rhythms, drums, percussions and melodies of the East and West effectively. Since its formation in 1988, the group has released an album, Colours of Rhythm and been invited to perform in a number of festivals including the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak and the Sunrise Jazz Festival.

One of the main attractions of the festival, this World Fusion Jazz outfit formed just one year ago, and comprises a South Korea-Singapore-Malaysia combo with Lee Jeong Sik (saxophone), Farid Ali (guitar and gambus), Andy Peterson (bass) and Mohd Noor (drums and percussions). Since the band?s inaugural performance at the LG Arts Centre in Seoul, Asian Spirits has begun to create a buzz in the international arena, having appeared at the PORI Jazz Festival in Finland last July and the inaugural Jarasum International Jazz Festival in South Korea last month.

Double Take

Talented Sabahan duo Roger Wang (guitarist) and Mia Palencia?s (vocals) delivery of unique jazz-styled arrangements in their own simple and effective way has enthralled local audiences as well as gained fans from Singapore and Brunei. Debut album release One Voice, Six Strings, Twelve Moods was indeed a breath of fresh air in a stagnant jazz recording arena in this country.

The Idea of North

One of the biggest draws of this festival it would seem. Coming back to Malaysia after appearing at the Philips International Jazz Festival in Kuala Lumpur last year, Australia?s only fully professional vocal quartet is a rising force to reckon with, they have reinvented a cappella and taken it to new heights. Eight years in the fray and Naomi Crellin (soprano), Nick Begbie (tenor), Trish Delaney-Brown (alto) and Andrew Piper (bass) already have four highly acclaimed album releases to their credit.

Juwita Suwito

Her debut album, Brand New World, has brought Suwito into the mainstream and she?s another fast rising artiste. The vocal coach for pop competition Malaysian Idol is in her own element with her vocal versatility.

Jazzo-Crats

This combo is one of the longest surviving jazz outfits from Penang, founded sometime in the 1970s. Playing a wide range of styles from smooth jazz to blues to Latin jazz and swing, founders Jack Mohamed (bass) and William Scully (saxophone) are joined by Franco (drums) and Leonard (keyboards).

Jeep Jazz Trio

Formed in 1998, Penang-based music educators by day and jazz musicians by night; Razif (Jeep) Mohd (piano), Jasmi Budin (drums) and Zaki Ani (bass) have played the Philips International Jazz Festival, as well as the Sunrise Jazz Festival. A debut album Midnite Stretch in 2001 features original instrumentals pieces composed by Jeep.

Tonal Alchemy

Another Penang-based jazz outfit that started off as the Wilson Jazz Trio in 1996. Led by its founder Wilson Quah, and now comprising Franco (on drums), Chong Chee (bass) and Ruby Rozell(vocals), theirs is a jazz journey spiriting through the swing-era to hard bop, cool jazz era and Dixieland.

Steve Thornton LPJ Group

The other massive draw is one dear to the hearts of jazz fans in Malaysia. One of the best percussionists in the world today, Malaysian-based Thornton has been hanging around jazz names for years and has appeared with legends in the music scene such as Harry Belafonte (oh, yes), Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Ayers, Grover Washington Jr, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Sadao Watanabe, Tania Maria and David Sanborn.

YAA Quartet featuring

Atsuko Kawahara

From Japan comes the Yokohama Association of Artists, comprising Yuko Shirota (piano), Yasushi Ishii (bass), Kenji Matsuura (drums), Masatoshi Tominaga (saxophone) and featuring Atsuko Kawahara on vocals.

Shelley Leong & Band

Shelley Leong is no stranger to the homegrown folk-pop scene with her debut album Storyteller. But as much as she is an evocative acoustic-based artiste, the personable Leong has also proven her liking for jazz and bossa nova flourishes. This versatile singer, in her jazz mode, is bound to charm the festival crowd.


The Penang Island Jazz Festival is scheduled for Dec 4 and 5 at the Bayview Beach Resort Garden, Batu Ferringhi, Penang. Watch out for various workshops too. Browse www.penang jazz.com for more info and event schedules. Tickets at RM33 per day available at all Axcess ticket outlets now. For bookings, call % 03-7711 5000, or browse www.axcess.com.my.
4310 Reads

Rainforest World Music Festival Year 2008

The Rainforest World Music Festival is a unique festival that bringstogether on the same stage renowned world musicians from all continents and indigenous musicians from the interiors of the mythical island of Borneo.

Its formula of afternoon informative workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts, followed by eveningperformances on the main stage has proven to be a hit with the audience, who come from near and far.

The festival site also sets up a variety of food and drink stalls, an arts and crafts area as well as a counter for festival memorabilia, Sarawak souvenirs and CDs by the performing artists, all this contributing to a fun filled, wholesome festival experience. World Music plus a country fair atmosphere in the midst of lush greenery.

The Rainforest World Music Festival, a not-to-be-missed occasion, guarantees a smashing time in the heart of the Borneo Jungle !


When: 11- 13 Jul 2008
Where: Sarawak Cultural Village
Cost: 3-day ticket RM200, 3-12 yrs RM100; Day ticket RM80; 3-12 yrs RM40; under 3s free
Opening Hours: Various


About Sarawak Cultural Village

What better venue to listen to the resounding rhythms of the rainforest than in a living museum dedicated to the preservation of the indigenous cultures on the island of Borneo? Under the imposing shadow of Mount Santubong, and in the midst of a virgin rainforest at the edge of the South China Sea, lies the award-winning...

Sarawak Cultural Village

Only 45 minutes away from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, and a stone's throw away from the quiet beach resort area of the Santubong Peninsula, the beautiful 17-acre Sarawak Culture Village presents inhabited replicas of the traditional dwellings found in the interior and coastal areas of Sarawak, thus preserving the architectural traditions of the many different ethnic groups that make up the population of Sarawak.

This culturally rich environment provides the backdrop for the Rainforest World Music Festival. The music workshops and daytime activities are held in the replica longhouses and other traditional houses, informally seated on mats while listening to rhythms from all over the world blend with those from the jungles of Borneo, to the delight of musicians and audiences alike. Nighttime concerts are held on a stage built by the lake, under the open sky and in an informal ambiance, sitting on the grass lawns and dancing to entrancing world beats.

Vist Malaysia Year 2007 come to London with A myrid of sights, sounds and tastes

For five days from June 5, 2007, Covent Garden Market in London celebrated Malaysian culture with music, films, fashion, dance, arts and craft. “Malaysia Week 2007” brought
the sights, sounds and flavours of Malaysia to this iconic centre, giving Londoners and curious visitors the chance to take home a slice of Malaysia.

Goods on offer included batik, songket, silver, pewter, ceramics, crystals, woodcrafts and pearls, presented by authentic Malaysian artisans. An art exhibition was also held where a selection of original works were available for sale.

There were also live performances presented by Malaysian artistes selected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as that of Culture, Arts and Heritage. Malaysian cinema was showcased with seven of Malaysia’s favourite films – Cinta, Bilut, Red Kebaya, Jangan Pandang Belakang, Puaka Tebing Biru, Waris Jari Hanut and Cicak Man during the “Malaysia Film Week” at the nearby Odeon Cinema and Malaysia Hall.

What a rich experience it was for visitors. This was the second such event to have been held in London. The first was staged last year. This year’s was grander with Malaysia bringing a larger delegation comprising 127 participants including small- and mediumscale entrepreneurs. The event was opened by the Mayor of Westminster Carolyn
Keen who said that “Malaysia Week”, although only for the second time it has been held, has become one of the popular events at Covent Garden Market.

In its maiden appearance last year, “Malaysia Week” attracted more than 60,000 visitors, and was described as a resounding success. Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri ais Yatim who attended the opening ceremony and the festival, said that programmes such as “Malaysia Week” could further enhance Malaysia’s special relationship with the UK. He expressed the hope that the event could be made an annual one at Covent Garden Market.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who graced the Gala Dinner in conjunction with “Malaysia Week”, said it was his hope that the festival was able to charm many British tourists to come to Malaysia.

However, he said at the same time “Malaysia Week’ should not be seen as merely showcasing Malaysian cultural heritage but a manifestation of both countries’ long historical ties, goodwill and friendship.

During the event, London-based Malaysian shoe designer Datuk Jimmy Choo was presented with a special certificate by Datuk Rais in appreciation of his contribution to
the shoe design industry. “Malaysia Week” was jointly organised by the Culture, Arts
and Heritage Ministry and Tourism Ministry with the support of the Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Industry, Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development as well as Agriculture and Agrobased Industry ministries and Malaysia Airlines.

Various other agencies also collaborated to help promote Malaysia in Europe.