A SLICK ENDEAVOUR OF COCONUT KIND

COCONUT (Cocos nucifera) are the fourth important commodities grown in Malaysia after Palm Oil, Rubber and Paddy. There are more than 82,000 hectare of coconut grown in Malaysia producing about 650 million nuts annually. The sight of coconuts dotting the grounds used to be a norm for the villagers on Mantanani island in Kota Belud, Sabah in which is some 40 minutes by boat from the mainland. The NST article titled 'A slick endeavour of the coconut kind' are relevant to share the information. For long the abundance of the drupes did not cross the minds of locals that it could be their next moneymaker, until recently. As most of the local resorts were closed due to Covid-19 pandemic's, the villagers received help from non-governmental organisation Yayasan Hasanah to make use of the coconuts. This blog of "Anim Agriculture Technology" share a report by NST about the VCO from coconut in Sabah as a good product.

Their hard work paid off when they came up with the Mantanani Virgin Coconut Oil. ne of the villagers known as Mainah Maulana aged 45 years said she and five others had learned how to produce the coconut oil traditionally (See photo above). She and other villagers find a lifeline on producing virgin coconut oil following the shutting down of resorts at Mantanani island, Sabah. She said her team would grate about 70 coconuts within two days to extract their milk and oil. Out of those 70 coconuts they could only yield about four litres (of coconut oil). But we are thankful to have some income from the sales. As to ensure the best quality for our product, we will only produce the next batch once the previous ones are sold. She said the villagers had previously focused on tourism as the island is said to have the best water visibility in the world among divers. There were many tourists, mostly from overseas, who come here. At that time, most of us worked with the resorts. The villagers find a lifeline on producing virgin coconut oil following the shutting down of resorts at Mantanani island.  But when the Covid-19 pandemic hit early this year, we lost our jobs and lives became difficult as it affected our livelihoods as she told the New Straits Times. However apart from Yayasan Hasanah that the community programme is supported by the Finance Ministry. The Mantanani Virgin Coconut Oil is sold at RM38 per 500ml bottle or RM372 for 12 bottles. The product can be ordered  or visit the Mantanani Local Products Facebook Page. Thanks.

By,

M Anem

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(Febuary 2021).