Coffee Consumption and the Sustainability of the Coffee Industry in Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia’s popular beverage has always been tea; however, current trends show an increase in coffee consumption among its population. The introduction of international coffee chains and the adoption of the coffee culture among the overseas educated has led to an increase in coffee consumption in Malaysia. Hence, the objective of this research was to determine the status of coffee consumption in Malaysia; to investigate the demographics and reasons for coffee consumption and to study the efforts carried out to sustain the Malaysian coffee industry. The study was conducted via an online self-administered questionnaire uploaded in Google Form. Results, obtained from 174 respondents, showed that 77.6% of participants consumed coffee. The main reasons for coffee consumption are the taste (69.6%); “to boost energy” (60.0%) and “to start up the day” (58.8%). 92.5% make their coffee at home or in the office. A low disposable income and restrictions imposed by the current pandemic has led to 62.7% of the respondents purchasing coffee less than once a week. 55.5% buy their coffee from branded outlets (Starbucks, Coffee bean and tea leaf, McCafé) compared to 46.7% from non-branded outlets (kopitiams, office canteen). So, when people do purchase their coffee, they do not mind splurging out on the occasional cup of branded coffee. Study of the literature shows that efforts are being carried out within Malaysia to improve its coffee industry, especially with respect to coffee farming. This alternative cash crop would aid in stimulating the failing Malaysian economy.

Physiochemical properties of Sarawak's adapted Liberica coffee silverskin utilizing varying solvents

“…In terms of coffee bean production, the Liberica generated a lower amount of green beans (0.7:10) in kilograms compared to Arabica and Robusta (2:10) in kilograms, by being scarcely available in the market, the Liberica variety serves a higher value in the world coffee market compared to the other species (Yoong, 2022 ). As one of the main manipulators of the Liberica coffee, Malaysia plays an important part in ensuring the sustainability of coffee variety in the world coffee market (Ali & Ramanathan, 2021 ), while possibly benefiting from the high revenue stream. Not to mention the fact of a warmer climate, Liberica could re‐emerge as a major coffee species due to its robust growth habit and ability to grow in warm, and lowland.…”