logo
Losses Incurred By Pineapple Farmers Dropped To RM1.02 Mln Last Year

Losses Incurred By Pineapple Farmers Dropped To RM1.02 Mln Last Year

Barnama6 hours ago

JOHOR BAHRU, June 28 (Bernama) -- Losses incurred by pineapple farmers nationwide due to unpredictable weather and natural disasters dropped significantly from RM7 million in 2021 to RM1.02 million last year.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the decline was partly attributed to research outcomes, infrastructure development and innovations by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM).
'For example, in 2021, the recorded losses amounted to RM7 million, which then dropped to RM2 million in 2022, RM1.8 million in 2023 and RM1.02 million last year,' he told a press conference after launching the 2025 International Pineapple Industry Seminar here today.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Batik revival faces identity and style challenge
Batik revival faces identity and style challenge

Sinar Daily

time6 minutes ago

  • Sinar Daily

Batik revival faces identity and style challenge

KUALA LUMPUR - Since the mandatory implementation of batik attire among civil servants in 2023, this textile craft has experienced a resurgence, capturing the interest of various generations. Despite this growing popularity aligning with the government's aspiration to preserve and strengthen batik as part of the nation's cultural heritage, in reality, local support for Malaysian batik remains inconsistent and not yet deeply rooted in society. The mandatory implementation of batik attire for civil servants since 2023 has sparked a resurgence of interest in this traditional textile, aiming to preserve and strengthen Malaysian cultural heritage. - Bernama file photo Nearly three years into its weekly adoption by civil servants every Thursday-a practice that has since garnered interest from other sectors as well-Universiti Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman fashion lecturer Shabri Saad said that consumers still tend to favour batik from neighbouring countries over locally made ones. "Batik isn't just a pattern. It's an art form-wearable artwork. I appreciate all types of batik, whether from Malaysia, Indonesia, India, China or Cambodia. But as Malaysians, we must uphold the art that originates from our own land. "If we don't support local batik artisans, I fear one day this craft will only exist in museums,' he said, adding that the preference for foreign batik is likely due to a lack of awareness and confusion surrounding the techniques, motifs, and true cultural value of batik. With more than two decades of experience in the batik world, Shabri noted that Malaysian batik-be it from Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, or Melaka-each carries a distinct beauty that must be preserved. For this reason, he believes that revitalising support for local batik cannot rest solely on government efforts, including initiatives by the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia). Instead, it must involve collaboration with all stakeholders, including NGOs, artists, and consumers. In this context, the Master of Design Technology holder highlighted the need for local batik to evolve, particularly in terms of design-moving away from overly dense and multicoloured motifs-as today's generation tends to prefer simpler, modern, and contemporary styles. "Young people want batik that's stylish, not something that looks like it's for uncles. A good batik design is one that makes the wearer look fresh and fashionable, without compromising on its cultural essence,' he said. He also recommended exploring more sophisticated colours that align with global fashion trends, such as toned-down hues, earthy tones, or pastels, which could help elevate Malaysian batik onto the global stage. Touching on pricing, Shabri noted that printed batik should not be completely dismissed, as it can serve as an entry point for the public to appreciate local batik designs and identity, especially considering its affordability compared to hand-drawn batik. "If we reject everything that's cheap, eventually even authentic batik will lose demand. With better understanding, appreciation for real batik will naturally grow,' he added. Meanwhile, 37-year-old civil servant Debby Lucas believes batik is more than just a meaningful cultural heritage-it is also a product of craftsmanship that requires patience, precision, and high creativity. "Each motif tells a story about nature, life, and community identity. In the past, batik was only worn to formal events, but now it's a modern fashion item suitable for the office or as a statement piece on the international stage,' she said, commending batik fashion designers who cater to young people's tastes. Faizah Ibrahim, 28, said price is not a major deterrent as there are still affordable batik options that match her personal style, including pieces she purchased from the Malaysian Prisons Department gallery. "I like batik made with dyeing techniques because it's comfortable, unique, and special-the patterns are one-of-a-kind. I also prefer tailoring my clothes over fast fashion because it looks neater, lasts longer, and is eco-friendly,' she said. - BERNAMA

70 Winners Take Home Prizes Worth RM300,000 In UDA Lucky Draw
70 Winners Take Home Prizes Worth RM300,000 In UDA Lucky Draw

Barnama

time19 minutes ago

  • Barnama

70 Winners Take Home Prizes Worth RM300,000 In UDA Lucky Draw

JOHOR BAHRU, June 28 (Bernama) -- UDA Holdings Berhad (UDA) today announced 70 lucky draw winners who walked away with prizes worth a total of RM300,000, held in conjunction with the UDA Real Estate Campaign 2024/2025. UDA president and chief executive officer Johari Shukri Jamil said a total of 268 property buyers participated in the draw, 55 per cent of whom were Bumiputera. He said a Proton S70 1.5T Executive topped the list of prizes, with lucky winners also taking home two Modenas Elegan motorcycles, three Ogawa massage chairs, and four three-day, two-night holiday packages to the Hard Rock Hotels in Penang and Desaru, Johor. Johari said 30 Harvey Norman vouchers and 30 SSF Home vouchers — each worth RM500 — were also given away as part of the lucky draw. 'Eligible participants are buyers who have signed a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) during the campaign period,' he said in his speech during the lucky draw held in conjunction with the Jom Heboh Carnival at Angsana Johor Bahru Mall here today. Also present were UDA Group Property Development chief operating officer Azrudyn Rashid, UDA Land (South) Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Muhammad Ismail Dasuki, UDA Angsana Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Imran Salleh and UDA Group Property Sales and Marketing Division head Noorhasniza Kassim. Johari said UDA recorded RM250 million in sales during the campaign, with Johor showing an encouraging response and the majority of properties sold priced below RM1 million. He said some of the preferred property projects during the campaign included the landed homes at Kuala Terengganu Golf Resort (KTGR) Phase 6, Sarai KTGR Phase 5, and Pelindung Heights Phase 1B in Kuantan, as well as Crescent Dew in Bertam, Taman Sena Permai in Kangar, Mawar in Taman Sultan Sallehuddin, Alor Setar, and Areca Terrace 4B in Bandar UDA Utama here. Johari said the campaign also drew favourable response for strata-type developments such as 38 Bangsar, Pangsapuri Dedaun Residensi and Legasi Kampong Bharu in the Klang Valley, Residensi Amaanee and Residensi Evok in Pulau Pinang, Neu Pendington in Kuching, Sarawak, and the 21BizHub office shop in Bandar UDA Utama here.

Melaka To Build, Repair Orang Asli Homes Starting Next Year
Melaka To Build, Repair Orang Asli Homes Starting Next Year

Barnama

time34 minutes ago

  • Barnama

Melaka To Build, Repair Orang Asli Homes Starting Next Year

MELAKA, June 28 (Bernama) -- The Melaka government will launch a new initiative next year to build and repair homes for the Orang Asli community through the Melaka Housing Board (LPM), ensuring they have safe and comfortable living conditions. State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the initiative aims to ensure Orang Asli communities are not excluded from state government aid or development programmes. 'To date, we've received 70 requests for home repairs or new houses from Orang Asli residents. Work will begin in phases next year, based on need and priority,' he told reporters here today after the launch of the Orang Asli Entrepreneurs Carnival (KUOA). The event was officiated by Rural and Regional Development Ministry deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Abdul Kahar Abdullah. He said the state had received allocations from the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) to repair two homes and build one new unit, but the funds were insufficient to address the number of requests. 'We received many reports of dilapidated house. The State Executive Council has agreed to provide additional support,' he said. Dr Muhamad Akmal added that the state has also introduced other assistance, including health insurance and death benefit schemes for community leaders, as well as school aid for Orang Asli students. He added that the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) is helping Orang Asli entrepreneurs promote and market their forest-based products, an effort expected to expand their market reach and boost sales. In conjunction with World Tourism Day (WTD) and the World Tourism Conference (WTC) 2025 in September, Orang Asli crafts, food and forest products will also be showcased to both domestic and international visitors.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store