2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Mat Sabu: Pineapple Day, a national recognition of 'extraordinary' fruit
JOHOR BARU: For the first time ever, Malaysia has celebrated National Pineapple Day at the federal level, marking a significant step in recognising the fruit as a national agricultural symbol.
Held in conjunction with World Pineapple Day, which falls on June 27 each year, the three-day celebration kicked off yesterday. Organised by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) in collaboration with Media Prima Berhad through the Jom Heboh Carnival, the event was hosted here in Johor Baru.
Carrying the theme "Our Pineapple, Our National Pride", the celebration aims to position the pineapple as a modern agricultural icon and a symbol of rural success.
LPNM chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said that although Pineapple Day has been recognised internationally, Malaysia had yet to commemorate it officially until now.
"As such, LPNM has decided to organise National Pineapple Day biennially, starting in 2025, with June 27 designated as the official national celebration," he said at the launch ceremony.
The event was officiated by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, with Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup also in attendance.
Held at the Angsana Johor Baru mall, the pineapple-themed Jom Heboh Carnival was expected to draw between 300,000 and 400,000 visitors.
While the carnival maintained its traditional format, it featured a strong pineapple focus, including LPNM's main booth, an enclosed interactive pavilion, 50 entrepreneurial tents for pineapple product promotions and sales, and pineapple-themed decorations throughout the venue.
A key highlight of the celebration was the Pineapple Seminar held today at the Thistle Johor Bahru hotel, attended by 400 participants. A total of 12 papers were presented by local and international experts from Indonesia and the Philippines.
Sheikh Umar said National Pineapple Day aimed to elevate the status of pineapples beyond being an agricultural product, portraying it as a national identity that reflects quality and capability.
"This is not just a festive occasion; it's a national recognition of a tropical fruit that is often seen as ordinary, but is in fact extraordinary," he said.
He said that Malaysia's pineapple industry is growing rapidly and has become a key contributor to the agrofood sector. In recent years, the export value of fresh pineapples and pineapple-based products has shown an encouraging upward trend.
"This progress is the result of tireless efforts by smallholders, agro-entrepreneurs, industry investors, and continuous support from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and related agencies," he said.
Mohamad, meanwhile, lauded the inaugural carnival-style celebration of National Pineapple Day.
"Congratulations to LPNM for organising this inaugural celebration in such a lively manner. It will leave a lasting impression on the local community and beyond, particularly among Singaporeans. It will further boost awareness and demand for Malaysian pineapples," he said.
Thirteen awards were presented during the celebration to industry players who have demonstrated excellence in developing the sector.
Among the accolades were the Seed Pineapple Supplier Award (Datuk Mohd Hashrizal Zainol Haris), Pineapple Heroine Award (Salis Cemerlang), Pineapple Profile Champion Award (Mass Food Industries Sdn Bhd), Pineapple Innovation Award (Ensu Lifesciences Sdn Bhd), and Agrotourism Pineapple Award (Saudagar Nanas Agrofarm).
Other recipients included the Community Pioneer Award (Achik Gold Cafe), Pro Farmer Youth Award (Mohd Nasry Mohd Nasir), Individual Pro Farmer Award (Khairill Anuar Mohamad), Company Pro Farmer Award (Awana Asia Sdn Bhd), and Group Pro Farmer Award (Koperasi Penanam Nanas Kedah Berhad).
Also recognised were Aqina Fruits for the Glocal Pineapple Award and Pineapple Icon Award, and the National Stem Association for the Special School Innovation Award.
Nur Firzana Suhana @ Husin, the founder of Ensutouch and recipient of the Pineapple Innovation Award through her company Ensu Lifesciences Sdn Bhd, expressed her appreciation for the recognition.
"We are still a young company, so this award from LPNM during National Pineapple Day means a great deal.
"Our skincare products use the pineapple's core, crown, and skin—developed in collaboration with SIRIM. I hope this recognition inspires more efforts to promote these enzyme-based beauty products, both locally and internationally," she said.
