KOTA BHARU, 2–3 September – In an effort to strengthen strategic collaboration and advance the national kenaf industry, the Institute of Plantation Studies (IKP), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), conducted a two-day official visit to the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN) in Kelantan and Terengganu.

The IKP delegation was led by Prof. Ts. Dr. Siti Khairunniza Bejo (Director of IKP), accompanied by Ts. Dr. Anas Mohd Mustafah (Head, Laboratory of Plantation Systems Technology and Mechanization, PSTM), and Dr. Zailani Khuzaimah (IKP Research Officer). The visit was joined by LKTN officers, Mr. Nik Aziman Nik Husain, Director of the Engineering and Factory Division (BKK), and Mr. Mohd Zaim Mohd Nor, Director of the Research and Development Division (BRD), along with several technical officers.

Day One: Exploring Kenaf Fields and Innovation

The visit began in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, with a tour of kenaf plots aged 1 and 3 months. The IKP delegation received detailed briefings on planting techniques, crop care, and harvesting processes. Interestingly, kenaf cultivated for animal feed is harvested at around 35 days, while kenaf grown for fiber and wood chips is harvested at approximately 120 days.

The delegation then visited the Kenaf Gallery at LKTN Headquarters in Kubang Kerian, which showcased a variety of innovative kenaf-based products, from textiles to construction materials, highlighting the crop’s vast potential across multiple industrial sectors.

Day Two: Processing Technology and Collaborative Discussions

The second day continued with a visit to LKTN’s Engineering and Factory Division in Pasir Puteh, where various kenaf processing machines were displayed, underscoring LKTN’s commitment to modernizing the kenaf industry through advanced technology.

The delegation then proceeded to Setiu, Terengganu, to tour a kenaf processing plant specializing in fiber, wood chips, and animal feed production.

The visit concluded with a closing session and collaborative discussions between IKP and LKTN, identifying several promising joint projects aimed at further developing kenaf cultivation and industry in Malaysia.

Visit to Headquarters LKTN

Visit to Engineering and Factory Department (BKK), Pasir Puteh

Visit to Processing Factory, Setiu