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1.2 Sugarcane Plantation in Malaysia
In 1980s, the total area planted with sugarcane in Malaysia is around 17, 000
ha, confined mainly to areas in Kedah and Perlis where the climate is most suitable
(Tan, 1989). The two largest sugarcane plantations are situated in the northern area of
Kedah and Perlis i.e Gula Padang Terap, Kedah (GPT) and Kilang Gula Felda Perlis
(KGFP) for local consumption. In Malaysia the yield of sugarcanes and other sugar
crops increased from 60.26 tonnes/ha in 1991 to 75 tonnes/ha in 2004 based on the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) statistics (Figure 1.1).
These plantation can only supply sugar for locals demand but still Malaysia have to
import sugar from other countries especially from Fiji, Tasmania (Australia) and Hawaii
(Tan, 1989; Peng, 1984) to meet the requirement. The imported quantity of sugarcane
and other sugar crops has significantly increased from 5,304.48 tonnes in 1990 to
10,491.73 tonnes in 2004 (Figure 1.2).
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