Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has proposed that the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) conduct a census to determine which local fruit should be recognised as Malaysia's national fruit.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, KPKM's Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin stated that the proposed census is essential to gather comprehensive public feedback. Malaysia has not yet officially recognised a national fruit, a step that several countries have taken as part of their nation-branding strategies. The ministry received an official application from the Durian Manufacturer Association (DMA), advocating for durian to be the national fruit, while the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) submitted a proposal for pineapple.
"Given that more than one fruit has been proposed, KPKM is of the view that the selection process should be objective and based on data. The ministry has therefore proposed that DOSM conduct a national census to obtain the views of Malaysians on the fruit most suitable to be designated as national fruit. This approach is in line with the government's practice of evidence-based policymaking and ensuring that decisions truly reflect the aspirations of the people. Any government decision will be made after considering the findings of the census and the Cabinet's deliberations," Chan explained during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara.
This statement was made in response to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Wu Him Ven regarding Malaysia's national fruit designation.
In response to Senator Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali's original query about the government's action plan to boost the pineapple industry's export value to RM2 billion by 2027, Chan detailed that various integrated strategies were being intensified through LPNM. KPKM, through LPNM, has formulated the Strategic Plan for Increasing Pineapple Exports 2026-2027. This plan consists of six main strategies based on an analysis of export performance, global market demand trends, and domestic supply capacity.
"This strategy includes strengthening exports to major markets, especially China, which currently accounts for 72 per cent of the country's total pineapple exports, with demand reaching 150 containers of fresh fruit per month. The government is also implementing a strategic business matching programme to explore new markets such as New Zealand, intensify international promotion, increase the number of new exporters, and strengthen monitoring of the supply of export-quality pineapples," Chan added.
Moreover, Chan highlighted that LPNM is collaborating with the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) to develop specific export guidelines to ensure Malaysian pineapples meet quality standards, food safety requirements, and the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements of importing countries.