Latest news with #SarawakGold1
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia boosts local fruit campaign to support farmers, reduce imports
JOHOR BAHRU: The government is ramping up efforts to promote local fruits through the 'Eat Local Fruits' campaign, aiming to reduce dependency on imports and bolster farmers' incomes nationwide. Agriculture and Food Safety Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced the initiative during the launch of the 2025 Malaysian Pineapple Day here today. Mohamad urged all federal and state agencies to serve local fruits at official functions as part of the campaign. 'We want to prioritise local produce and support our farmers,' he said. The campaign will officially kick off in Tawau, Sabah, on July 5 before expanding to other states. Local fruits such as pineapples, durians, jackfruit, and avocados are highlighted for their strong domestic and export potential. The move follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent directive for government departments to stop using imported goods, especially food, at official events. Mohamad emphasised that the policy not only aids economic growth but also opens market opportunities for local farmers. He praised the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) for driving pineapple production beyond RM1 billion. 'Our pineapple supply meets domestic demand, and surplus production will focus on exports,' he added. A new pineapple variety, Sarawak Gold 1 (SG-1), developed by the Sarawak government, was also commended for its high yield and disease resistance. Over one million SG-1 seedlings have been introduced to Peninsular Malaysia for cultivation. As of last year, Malaysia's pineapple cultivation spanned nearly 19,000 hectares, with 13,000 hectares being productive. Production reached 520,000 metric tonnes, valued at RM1.3 billion, marking a 17 per cent increase in volume and a 34 per cent rise in value compared to 2023. The sector now supports over 8,000 growers and 308 companies, with pineapple farmers earning an average of nearly RM9,000 monthly.
Barnama
10 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Campaign Promoting Local Fruits Intensified To Help Farmers
JOHOR BAHRU, June 27 (Bernama) -- The government will intensify the 'Eat Local Fruits' campaign to reduce dependency on imported fruits and help boost the income of farmers nationwide. Agriculture and Food Safety Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said that all federal and state government agencies are encouraged to serve local fruits at every function to show their support. 'The government has been encouraging the people to eat local fruits. We request that local fruits be served at official government functions because we want to prioritise local produce and support our farmers,' he said when opening the 2025 Malaysian Pineapple Day here today. Mohamad said the campaign will be officially launched in Tawau, Sabah, on July 5 before being gradually expanded to other states, adding that local fruits, including pineapples, durians, jackfruit, and avocados, not only have strong domestic market potential but are also competitive in export markets. On June 20, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim instructed all government departments to cease using imported goods, especially food, at official events to promote the use of local products. Mohamad said the directive not only supports the country's economic growth but also helps expand market opportunities for local farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs. He also praised the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) for boosting the country's pineapple production to over RM1 billion. 'Alhamdulillah, our pineapple production is sufficient for domestic use, and any further increase will be geared towards export. LPNM, the private sector and individuals have answered the government's call to boost production,' he said. Mohamad also commended the Sarawak government for developing a new pineapple variety known as Sarawak Gold 1 (SG-1), which has produced high yields and shown strong disease resistance.
