RANAU: Sabah aims to develop a premium coffee industry around the country’s highest-altitude coffee plantation in Kampung Toboh Lama, Ranau, creating greater economic opportunities for local farmers.
Growing interest in specialty coffee has also fuelled cafe culture, with more young Malaysians embracing shops that serve specialty brews alongside pastries and other baked goods.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the plantation, located about 1,300m above sea level, had been recognised by The Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) as the country’s “Highest Altitude Coffee Plantation”.
He said the recognition should translate into tangible economic benefits for local farmers.
“As a son of Ranau, I want this achievement to bring tangible economic benefits to the people.
“Our farmers should not see themselves merely as producers of agricultural commodities, but as entrepreneurs with a place in the premium coffee industry value chain,” he said at the MBR recognition launch here.
Masidi, who is also state finance minister and Karanaan assemblyman, said the domestic coffee market was worth about RM4.4 billion, with more than 6,400 cafes nationwide, based on figures shared at the Malaysia Cafe Expo 2025.
Specialty coffee from Ranau had reportedly fetched between RM50 and RM65 per 250g pack, highlighting its potential in the premium market.
He identified three priorities for the industry: increasing production, developing the value chain from cultivation to marketing, and attracting more young agropreneurs.
He said the state Agriculture Department should work with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry to formulate an action plan covering post-harvest facilities, mechanisation, training, research and wider market access.
Growers should also be guided towards relevant certifications, including myGAP and myOrganic, to strengthen quality assurance and improve access to premium markets.
“One day, we will have a Sabah highland coffee brand or cafe chain recognised nationwide,” he said.