Latest news with #AgricultureandFoodSecurity
The Star
17 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Malaysian pineapples a hit
New Zealanders crave our premium MD2 variety WELLINGTON: While Malaysians crave imported kiwifruit and avocado from New Zealand, Malaysian pineapples are much sought-after in New Zealand. This was revealed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during his five-day working visit. 'There is high demand for our pineapples due to their quality, texture and sweetness. However, export of Malaysian pineapples is currently minimal,' he told reporters at a press conference here yesterday. Among the species much sought-after by New Zealanders is the MD2 pineapple. The MD2 is considered a premium variety known for its sweetness, low acidity and fragrant aroma. Sold locally and exported, the MD2 is also known by other trade names such as 'Golden Ripe', 'Super Sweet', 'Rompine' or 'Gold'. Malaysian MD2 pineapples are currently exported to several countries in the region, apart from the Middle East and Europe. Johor is the largest producer of MD2 pineapples in Malaysia, with Perak also involved in growing the fruit on a large scale. Penang, Kedah, Selangor and Pahang are also starting to grow the MD2. It is a key crop under Malaysia's Economic Transformation Programme and is targeted for higher production to meet domestic and export demand. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said he would bring the matter for further discussions with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu on how to increase the planting of Malaysian pineapples for export. 'I will also request the Selangor, Pahang, Johor and Melaka state governments to increase pineapple cultivation on a large scale,' he added. 'There is vast potential to increase the export of Malaysian pineapples due to high demand.' Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said leaders in the Madani administration should ignore 'cynicism' and focus on nation-building efforts, especially when they are abroad. He said cynicism usually comes from those opposing government efforts, even if the efforts were beneficial for the nation. 'If it's something good, ask your friends. But if it's something questionable, ask your enemies. 'Enemies are those who dislike. It doesn't matter how good our deeds are. They will still find fault,' he said. He added that cynicism has become a 'daily staple' for the Opposition, particularly when government leaders travel abroad to strengthen bilateral ties and improve trade with other nations. 'They will be cynical whether the official assignment abroad involves ministers, the deputy prime minister or the prime minister. 'The important thing in these official visits is the knowledge, experience and exposure gained from new sectors that may not exist in our country. 'These are opportunities that we can explore,' he said. Ahmad Zahid took a swipe at certain opposition leaders who used religion or alleged moral superiority to criticise the good efforts of the government. 'Cynicism from such attitudes is dangerous, especially when cloaked in the guise of religious credibility,' he said in response to criticism of his five-day working visit to New Zealand to strengthen bilateral and trade ties. The visit included efforts to learn how the Maori in New Zealand manage their cultural and economic affairs, including land rights. This comes following proposed amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134), which is to undergo significant improvements after 71 years. In response to this, Ahmad Zahid assured that all 377 Orang Asli village heads would be engaged for feedback on the proposed amendments, which are likely to be tabled in Parliament in March. He added that feedback would also be sought from related non-governmental organisations, Orang Asli professionals and academicians. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid described his working visit as successful in strengthening bilateral and trade ties with New Zealand. He said New Zealand had agreed to join the Asean Halal Council as an associate member when it is launched this coming October during the Asean Summit. New Zealand companies with halal certification were also invited to use Malaysia as their halal distribution hub for their products into Asean and surrounding regions, he added. He said letters of intent were also inked with seven universities to offer twinning programmes with two universities in Malaysia. Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee (Nadma), said a memorandum of understanding will be inked between the New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) and Nadma to strengthen bilateral cooperation in disaster management. Ahmad Zahid's working visit to New Zealand was from July 14 to July 18.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
High demand for Malaysian pineapples in New Zealand revealed, says Ahmad Zahid
WELLINGTON: While Malaysians might crave imported Kiwi fruit and avocados from New Zealand, it turns out Malaysian pineapples are highly sought after here. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed this during his five-day working visit to New Zealand. "There is a high demand for our pineapples due to their quality, texture, and sweetness. However, export of Malaysian pineapples is currently very limited," he told reporters at a press conference on Friday (July 18). Among the varieties popular with New Zealanders is the MD2 pineapple, considered a premium type known for its sweetness, low acidity, and fragrant aroma. The MD2, sold locally and exported, is also known by trade names such as "Golden Ripe," "Super Sweet," "Rompine," or "Gold." Malaysian MD2 pineapples are currently exported to several regions, including the Middle East and Europe. Johor is the largest producer of MD2 pineapples in Malaysia, with other states like Perak also involved in their cultivation. States like Penang, Kedah, Selangor, and Pahang are beginning to grow the MD2 variety as well. The MD2 pineapple is a key crop under Malaysia's Economic Transformation Programme and is targeted for increased production to meet both domestic and export demands. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Rural and Regional Development Minister, said he plans to discuss increasing pineapple cultivation with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. "I will also request the Selangor, Pahang, Johor, and Melaka state governments to increase pineapple cultivation on a large scale," he added, noting the vast potential for expanding exports due to the high demand. Ahmad Zahid is on an official working visit to New Zealand from July 14 to July 18.
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Revamped fisheries law to pack more bite
KUALA LUMPUR: Major amendments to the Fisheries Act 1985 will impose increased penalties on various offences, including intrusion by foreign fishermen into Malaysian territorial waters, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He added that the amendments aimed to increase the punishment for offenders, although the increased penalties will still be lower than those in the regulations in Indonesia and Thailand. Mohamad said that among the other amendments is control on certain types of nets and equipment that will destroy sea life. 'The amended Act will also protect live turtles from being sold and ensure that these animals do not go extinct,' he said after opening the National Fishermen's Association (Nekmat) annual general meeting here yesterday. He said the amendments will go through their first reading in the Dewan Rakyat next week. Earlier in his speech, Mohamad said that the subsidised diesel will continue to be supplied for fishermen registered with Nekmat.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
'Hot spell to persist, cloud seeding not feasible yet'
KUALA LUMPUR: The current hot spell affecting parts of the country is expected to persist until the end of this month, said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia). Its director-general, Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, said the heat was within normal levels and did not meet the criteria for an extreme heatwave, although temperatures in some areas could reach up to 36°C. "Most areas in the country are forecast to receive minimal rainfall over the next week due to the formation of a tropical storm in the western Pacific Ocean near the Philippines. "With the El Niño–Southern Oscillation index predicted to remain at neutral levels through the end of the year, extreme heat is not expected to strike the country during this southwest monsoon season." He said the latest weather forecast model analysis showed that active tropical cyclones in the western Pacific Ocean and South China Sea were disrupting the country's rainfall patterns. As a result, he said, cloud seeding in the northern regions of the peninsula, particularly in Kerian, Perak, was not suitable. "Active tropical cyclones make it unsuitable to carry out cloud seeding. "However, should there be significant weather changes based on updated forecast models, we will inform the relevant authorities," he added. Previously, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said cloud seeding would be carried out to address the issue of dry rice fields caused by declining water levels at Bukit Merah Lake due to the heat. Hisham said METMalaysia acted as a technical adviser and agency upon receiving an official request from any party wishing to conduct cloud seeding, particularly in water shortage crises such as the one in Kerian. "METMalaysia will conduct weather forecast analysis using the latest models, taking into account high humidity levels, the presence of towering cumulus clouds in the targeted areas and atmospheric stability. "These factors will help promote cloud formation and create conditions suitable for generating rain during cloud-seeding operations," he said.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Fisheries Act 1985 amendments to increase fines, protect marine habitats
KUALA LUMPUR: The Fisheries Act 1985 is set for amendments to strengthen enforcement, increase penalties, and safeguard marine ecosystems. The proposed changes, expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat, aim to align Malaysia's regulations with regional standards while addressing habitat destruction and food safety concerns. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, highlighted that the amendments will introduce stricter controls on harmful fishing practices, such as the use of dragon nets, which damage fish spawning grounds. 'This act is mostly to strengthen existing enforcement including tighter surveillance of waters. Many new policies are being advocated by stakeholders for amendment,' he said. The revised act will also impose higher fines for violations, bringing Malaysia's penalties in line with those of neighbouring countries like Indonesia and Thailand. 'The existing fines are also lower when compared to Indonesia and Thailand. Therefore, this amendment will coordinate and strengthen the enforcement aspect,' Mohamad added. Additional measures include a ban on fishing in polluted waters and mandatory inspections of catches to ensure food safety. The amendments will also reinforce protections for endangered species, such as turtles, by prohibiting their sale. 'This will be detailed in the amendment to the act to ensure that the species does not become extinct,' he said. The draft amendments were finalised after consultations with industry stakeholders and elected representatives. The first reading is scheduled for the upcoming parliamentary session, with the second reading expected in August. - Bernama
