Tawau: The government is set to intensify the 'Eat Local Fruits' campaign as a strategic move to reduce dependency on imported fruits while boosting the income of farmers across the nation. Agriculture and Food Safety Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu emphasized the initiative's importance during the opening of the 2025 Malaysian Pineapple Day.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad urged all federal and state government agencies to serve local fruits at official functions to reinforce their commitment to supporting local agriculture. "The government has been encouraging people to eat local fruits. We request that local fruits be served at official government functions because we want to prioritize local produce and support our farmers," he stated.
The campaign is scheduled for an official launch in Tawau, Sabah, on July 5 and will gradually expand to other states. Local fruits such as pineapples, durians, jackfruit, and avocados have significant domestic market potential and are competitive in export markets. On June 20, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim directed government departments to cease using imported goods at official events, promoting local products.
Mohamad highlighted that this directive not only supports the country's economic growth but also enhances market opportunities for local farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs. He praised the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) for achieving over RM1 billion in pineapple production. "Alhamdulillah, our pineapple production is sufficient for domestic use, and any further increase will be geared towards export," he noted.
In addition, Mohamad commended the Sarawak government for developing the Sarawak Gold 1 (SG-1) pineapple variety, known for its high yield and disease resistance. He shared insights from a visit to a farm in Sungai Tukau, Miri, where the SG-1 variety demonstrated its potential by being harvested earlier than regular varieties.
Furthermore, he reported that Malaysia's total pineapple cultivation area had reached nearly 19,000 hectares, with 13,000 hectares being productive. The total production amounted to 520,000 metric tonnes, valued at RM1.3 billion, indicating a 17 percent increase in volume and a 34 percent rise in value compared to 2023. This growth has contributed to higher household incomes, with pineapple growers earning an average of nearly RM9,000 a month.
The expanding interest in pineapple cultivation is evident, with over 8,000 growers and 308 companies actively participating in the industry.