PALMOILMAGAZINE, PUTRAJAYA — Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad has officially assumed her role as Malaysia’s Minister of Plantation and Commodities, marking a new chapter in the leadership of the country’s vital plantation and commodities sector, according to a statement from the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities.
Accompanied by Deputy Minister Dato’ Sri Huang Tiong Sii, Dr. Noraini made her first official appearance at the ministry on Thursday, where she was warmly welcomed by senior management, director generals of agencies under the ministry, and ministry staff. The reception symbolized collective support and a shared commitment to advancing the plantation and commodities sector, a key pillar of Malaysia’s economy.
On her first working day, Dr. Noraini convened a series of meetings and briefings with ministry leadership and affiliated agencies. The sessions focused on policy direction, strategic roles, and the importance of coordination in implementing agri-commodity policies to support sustainable national development.
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Heads of agencies delivered brief presentations outlining their respective mandates, ongoing programs, key priorities, and pressing challenges facing the sector. Dr. Noraini engaged closely with the discussions, which covered strategic issues ranging from sustainability pressures and global market dynamics to smallholder welfare and environmental stewardship.
The meetings also underscored the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in preparing a skilled and future-ready workforce for the plantation sector. Dr. Noraini emphasized that long-term sector sustainability depends not only on sound policies but also on the quality of human capital driving the industry.
The session laid the groundwork for strengthening inter-agency synergy and ensuring that ministry policies are implemented in a coordinated, effective, and impactful manner, benefiting industry players as well as smallholders.
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The meetings were attended by Secretary General of the Ministry, Dato’ Yusran Shah Mohd Yusof; Deputy Secretary General (Plantation and Commodities), Dato’ Razali Mohamad; Deputy Secretary General (Strategic Planning and Management), Dr. Sharifah Adlina Syed Abdullah; along with division secretaries, unit heads, and directors general of agencies under the ministry.
Dr. Noraini is a seasoned political figure in Malaysia. A member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) within the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, she has served three terms as Member of Parliament for Parit Sulong, Johor. She currently chairs the National Finance Committee and previously served as Minister of Higher Education from 2020 to 2021. Since 2018, she has also led UMNO’s women’s wing.
With her extensive political experience and background in public administration, Dr. Noraini’s leadership is expected to steer Malaysia’s plantation and commodities sector toward greater resilience, adaptability to global challenges, and continued commitment to sustainability and community welfare. (P2)
