KOTA BARU: Former Ketereh member of Parliament Ab Aziz Ab Kadir has been appointed the new chairman of the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (NKTB), effective Oct 1.
He would take over the post from Dr Azman Ibrahim, who resigned recently.
In a statement today, Ab Aziz said he would strive to place the kenaf industry on a mainstream track, bringing it to the international level via a high grade kenaf cultivation.
"I will ensure the welfare of kenaf and tobacco growers in the country are well taken care of and they continue to receive guidance from the board," he said.
Ab Aziz, who is also Kelantan non-governmental organisation's National Community Movement chairman, said he would also ensure the farming activities being carried out by the growers would be monitored by the board regularly.
"The growers are the main players in this sector and NKTB must do its best to help them. I will ensure the sector is running smoothly during my tenure," he added.
Ab Aziz said the board would encourage new players to consider kenaf crops as their first choice to grow.
"We will also encourage other growers especially those located in suitable areas to plant kenaf if they are interested," he added.