Pineapple growers welcome KBBM campaign to stabilise prices, boost income

New Straits Times

29-06-2025

JOHOR BAHRU: Pineapple growers say the 2025 'Buy Malaysian Goods' campaign (KBBM), themed 'Jom Beli Lokal' (Let's Buy Local), could help stabilise market prices and ensure steady demand for local agricultural produce.
Mohd Nasry Mohd Nasir, 38, a pineapple grower from Samarahan, Sarawak, said the initiative also promises stronger market assurance for farmers, provided consumers continue to support local products.
He said the campaign would encourage greater demand for various local pineapple varieties.
"This initiative is very good overall. It helps boost farmers' income while highlighting the quality of our pineapples, which are on par with those from overseas," he told Bernama when met at the 2025 International Pineapple Industry Seminar here yesterday.
Nasry, who has managed his family's pineapple farm for the past three years on over 100 acres, added that the campaign could also reduce reliance on middlemen if implemented over the long term.
"In Sarawak, for example, the Moris pineapple variety is relatively cheaper, with market prices at about RM10 for three fruits, but when sold to middlemen, the price drops to about RM2.50 each.
"Some middlemen resell them at RM10 for just two fruits, so this campaign may help reduce our dependence on them and allow buyers to purchase directly from us at better prices," he said.
Meanwhile, Johor-based pineapple grower Mohd Zulafiq Nordin, 38, believes the initiative could open broader market access for small and medium-scale farmers, including supermarkets and online sales platforms.
He said it would also help increase sales of lower-grade pineapples that are still of good quality.
"Middlemen usually only take Grade A pineapples for the market. The smaller grades that don't meet their criteria are usually sold directly by us.
"So, with an initiative like this, we as farmers can offer more variety directly to consumers," he said.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) launched KBBM on June 27 as part of efforts to revitalise the sales of local goods and reduce dependence on imported products.
Its minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, was reported as saying the campaign focuses on increasing the sales value and market penetration of local products, strengthening domestic economic growth, and supporting local entrepreneurs and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
According to him, KBBM involves multiple ministries and government agencies through a whole-of-nation approach and will be conducted through both physical promotions at business premises and online platforms in collaboration with major e-commerce operators.