Latest news with #MD2
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
RM1 million for Sook pineapple venture
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 By: Marutin Ansiung Text Size: Arthur during the groundbreaking of LKTNS pineapple project in Sinua. SOOK: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has allocated RM1 million to support a pineapple cultivation project aimed at improving the rural economy in Sabah's interior, particularly in areas where agriculture remains the main source of livelihood. Its Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the allocation is channelled through the Land Utilisation Optimisation Programme in collaboration with the State Government to the Sabah Land Development Board (LKTNS) to kickstart the MD2 pineapple project. Advertisement 'This is part of our ministry's initiative to focus on high-value agricultural sectors such as MD2 pineapple cultivation,' said Arthur, who is also Pensiangan MP, when officiating the groundbreaking ceremony of the LKTNS MD2 Pineapple Project in Sinua, last Friday. He said while the area was initially developed for oil palm, not all of the land was suitable for that crop. 'Therefore, I support LKTNS's initiative to optimise land use with crops like pineapple that can improve people's income,' he said. The first phase of the project will cover six hectares and involve the planting of 250,000 pineapple suckers, expected to benefit 695 participants in the area. The participants are expected to harvest their first crop in 12 to 15 months. Arthur said the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) is also involved to explore collaboration opportunities and potentially develop a pineapple-based industry in the area. He said the project would not only contribute to national pineapple output but also create job opportunities, generate income for smallholders and drive rural economic growth. Also present were LKTNS General Manager Datuk Syaheddrul R. Joddari, LPNM Chairman Tuan Haji Sheikh 'Umar Bagharib bin Ali, LPNM Director-General Mohd Khairuzamri M. Salleh and senior officials from LPNM and LKTNS. Earlier, Arthur launched a basic MD2 pineapple planting briefing for the Kampung Sakikilo community in Sook through an initiative by the Sook Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK), benefiting 42 families. At the event, 5,000 pineapple suckers, more than 300kg of fertiliser, and a mini tiller machine were handed over to kickstart the community project. LPNM will provide technical expertise and monitor the project together with PPK Sook to help increase the community's income. Arthur also revealed plans to establish a pineapple industry in Sook as a new economic sector for the interior region of Sabah, in collaboration with LPNM and the Farmers' Organisation Authority (LPP). 'We chose pineapple because of its strong market potential and opportunities in downstream processing. It is also well-suited to be grown in this region,' he said. He stressed the need for structured, organised and group-based cultivation to reach an industrial scale. Meanwhile, the Road to Hari Peladang, Penternak dan Nelayan Kebangsaan (HPPNK) 2025 Series 2 @ Sook drew more than 10,000 visitors and featured 98 local entrepreneurs along with 14 agencies and strategic partners during the three-day event at the Food Court Parking Area here. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the event was one of the largest ever held in the interior of Sabah. Held under the theme 'Kudrat Kami Menjamin Pertiwi' (Our Strength Secures the Nation), the programme showcased 15 main segments, including Agro Millenia, Youth Clinics, E-Games, Agricultural Technology, Robotics & IoT, and exhibitions and sales under the Agro Madani initiative, in addition to livestock, fisheries and paddy segments. 'The Road to HPPNK aims to recognise the vital contributions of farmers, breeders and fishermen in ensuring the country's food security, while also encouraging youth involvement in the agro-food sector,' he said after officiating the event. Arthur, who is also Pensiangan MP, said among the highlights were the sale of 3,000 packs of rice at RM26 each, 2,000kg of fresh chicken, and 1,000kg of fresh vegetables brought directly from farms. There was also a fruit fiesta featuring 8,000kg of local produce such as pomelo, bambangan and tarap, along with the distribution of 1,000 fruit and flower seedlings to visitors. 'The total sales target for this event is estimated at RM200,000, reflecting the strong market potential of rural-based products and their impact on local agropreneurs,' he said. The event also saw the presentation of mock cheques to recipients of Small Farm Machinery Ownership Grants from PPK Tenom, Kuala Penyu and Beaufort, Agropreneur Muda Scale-Up Grants under KPKM, and Fama Sabah 2025 Agrobazaar Grants. Arthur said the ministry, through its agency Fama, believes that such programmes not only narrow the rural-urban gap in market access and technology but also reinvigorate Sabah's farming communities. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
3 days 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
6 days ago
- Climate
- The Star
Special hats to fight fruit sunburn in Pekan Nanas
A worker showing a dark patch on a pineapple that received too much sun exposure at Lim's farm, which sees many of the fruits wearing 'hats' these days to protect them during the hot months. — THOMAS YONG/The Star FRUIT farmers are adjusting their operational procedures to cope with the scorching temperatures. Pineapple farmer Haleem Lim said April to June were typically the hottest months in Malaysia, which increased the risk of fruit decay if preventive steps were not taken. 'Too much sun exposure will cause the fruits to suffer 'sunburn', meaning they get dark patches on the skin. 'Pineapple species such as MD2, Josapine and Yankee, which have thinner skin, are more vulnerable and susceptible to burns,' he told StarMetro. The 58-year-old, who has been farming pineapples for more than a decade in Pekan Nanas, Pontian in Johor, said the fruits might develop holes in the skin, giving way to mould to spread thus making them inedible. To mitigate this issue, he said the fruits were usually covered about 1.5 months before harvest to minimise risk. 'The trend of putting 'hats' on pineapples started 10 years ago when the climate became increasingly hot. 'These days, it has become part of our procedures for pineapple farmers, especially during the hot months,' he said. He added that some 20 years ago, it was still possible to leave the fruits uncovered year-long without worrying about sun damage. Lim, who also produces pineapple products such as juices, jams and cooking sauces, said an average pineapple planting cycle took about 14 months from planting to harvesting. He said some farmers had taken various steps to adapt to the hot weather, to avoid losses. Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysia Fruit Farmers Association president Koh Lai Ann said proper soil management was essential to ensure healthy fruits and minimise losses due to extreme weather. 'I am a watermelon farmer and face similar challenges. 'As we do not have control over the weather, we adapt by managing soil health using the right tools and organic fertiliser. 'Of course, this increases operating costs but we want to minimise risk – one rotten fruit may cause the fruits in the whole plot to get discarded.' Koh said changing weather patterns were also contributing to the rise in fruit-related diseases. 'With climate change increasingly affecting crop quality, adapting to the weather is necessary to ensure the fruits remain marketable and safe for consumption,' Koh added. Malaysia Meteorological Department director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip had said the main cause for the current hot and humid weather was the southwest monsoon that began on May 10, with the phenomenon expected to continue until September.
