International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VI, June 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Tea Production in Malaysia: Culture versus Challenges and Prospect to Malaysian Economics

Kasim Mansur

Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Abstract:- Tea has been grown in Malaysia (than Malaya) for over 500 years, but commercial success has, until recently, eluded a succession of plantation entrepreneurs despite the favorable climate setting. The labor-intensive nature of tea cultivation and processing, combined with high costs of fertilizer prices, required a daunting creativity. The Malaysian market is dominated by three brands namely BOH tea, Sabah Tea and Lipton. From economic perspectives, there is a growing market demand for herbal and fruit teas. In spite of the challenges of tea production in Malaysia, the nation tea industry still holds a great potential in significantly contributing to not only the nation’s economy, but also the lifestyle and enjoyment of its people.Since most Malaysians nowadays has become increasingly health awareness this in turn altering consumer behavior and tastes. New lifestyle is due to increasing health conscious factor that leads consumers to drink more tea, as tea helps to boost the immune system and to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.

I. INTRODUCTION

Malaysia has a strong foundation for agricultural sectors, with it being the third engine of growth after the manufacturing and services sectors. The nation has around 4.06 million hectares of agricultural land distributed throughout 14 states. Being the world leader in the production of several industrial crops, like oil palm, rubber, cocoa, pepper and tropical timber, Malaysia has a strong agriculture base. Historically Tea was introduced to Malaysia by Chinese traders for more than 500 years. Tea is the most popular and cheapest beverage, next to water, in the world (Alastair Hicks. 2001).
In term of employment agricultural sectors provides employment roughly about 40% of Malaysia’s population. It is projected in the 11th Malaysia Plan that 300,000 new jobs will be created annually; of which 50,000 will be university graduates who will be involved in agriculture activities. The career prospects of agriculture includes employment in the industries downstream activities related to food, environmental control, waste-treatment and manufacturing.