Latest news with #Maori-language
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
New Zealand seeks more pineapple imports from Malaysia
WELLINGTON: New Zealand has shown keen interest in importing more pineapples from Malaysia due to rising consumer demand, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He highlighted the fruit's superior quality, taste, and texture as key factors driving its popularity in the New Zealand market. 'Malaysian pineapples are well-liked for their unique flavour and texture, making them highly sought after,' Ahmad Zahid told Malaysian media after concluding his five-day working visit. However, he noted that Malaysia's current export capacity remains limited, requiring better coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), state governments, and agro-entrepreneurs. 'The demand is high, but our export capabilities are still constrained. We have the quality — the flavour and texture are excellent,' he said. To address this, Ahmad Zahid plans to discuss expansion strategies with Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He will also direct state governments in Selangor, Pahang, Johor, and Melaka to increase large-scale pineapple cultivation to meet export demands. During his visit, Ahmad Zahid also met with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), where he received a request for Malaysia's assistance in providing Maori-language Qurans. 'I was asked to help contribute Maori-language Qurans. I have contacted Yayasan Restu to explore this, and will seek funding from non-governmental sources, including individuals and private organisations,' he said. He added that around 1,200 Maori have embraced Islam, presenting an opportunity for Malaysia to support the growing Muslim community in New Zealand, which currently has 96 mosques. Ahmad Zahid's working visit included meetings with senior government officials, community discussions, a halal industry forum, and visits to educational institutions and disaster management centres. - Bernama
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
New Zealand Keen To Boost Pineapple Imports From Malaysia
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi holds a press conference in conjunction with the final day of his official working visit to New Zealand today. From Ahmad Erwan Othman WELLINGTON, July 18 (Bernama) -- New Zealand has expressed interest in increasing imports of Malaysian pineapples, driven by strong demand for the tropical fruit, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said Malaysian pineapples, known for their distinctive quality, flavour and texture, have gained popularity among consumers in New Zealand, presenting significant export potential in the global market. However, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, acknowledged that Malaysia's current export capacity remains limited and stressed the need for greater focus and coordination among the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), state governments, and agro-entrepreneurs to meet the growing demand. 'The demand is high, but our export capabilities are still constrained. We have the quality — the flavour and texture are excellent,' he told Malaysian media at the end of his five-day working visit to New Zealand on Saturday (Friday in Malaysia). Also present were Malaysia's High Commissioner to New Zealand, Mazita Marzuki, and John K. Samuel, Undersecretary of the Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Oceania Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ahmad Zahid said he would discuss the matter further with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and will instruct the Selangor, Pahang, Johor and Melaka governments to expand large-scale cultivation of pineapples to meet export needs. During a meeting with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), Ahmad Zahid said he received a request for Malaysia's assistance in providing copies of the Quran translated into the Maori language. 'I was asked to help contribute Maori-language Qurans. I have contacted Yayasan Restu to explore this, and will seek funding from non-governmental sources, including individuals and private organisations,' he said.
