Fadillah, who is also the plantation and commodities minister, said the ministry will discuss with the health ministry methods of controlled cultivation for the production of cannabis and ketum, if it is allowed.

Several industry players and associations related to cannabis and hemp (kenaf) have also made presentations on the potential use of the plants, he said.

“We see the US, the Netherlands and now, even Thailand, being active in the industry,” he said. “But in Malaysia, because the substances are controlled items, we have to discuss with the health ministry on how we can grow, process and sell the products in Malaysia in a controlled manner.”

Fadillah was speaking to reporters after attending a briefing on the development of the kenaf industry and regulation of the tobacco industry at the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN) headquarters today.