Serdang: Memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed during the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026 have reached an impressive RM12.6 billion, surpassing the initial RM8 billion target, according to Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The minister attributed this success to significant investment commitments, including RM4 billion from China and RM1.5 billion from the National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) aimed at developing Malaysia's fertiliser industry. "Our original target for MoUs was RM8 billion, but we have now passed RM12.6 billion. This demonstrates high investor confidence in the nation's agriculture and agrofood industry," he stated. Mohamad expressed hope that the momentum would continue, noting the extraordinary response to MAHA, and highlighted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's role in officiating the closing ceremony.
The two-day convention, attended by 200 participants, focused on innovative developments in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and the food industry. As of 10 pm yesterday, MAHA 2026 had attracted 3.45 million visitors and over 690,000 vehicles to the 30-acre Malaysia Agriculture Expo Park Serdang (MAEPS).
Mohamad reported that total sales had exceeded RM55 million and were on track to reach the RM58 million target, driven by strong state pavilion sales. He also praised the involvement of Bumiputera youths in modern agriculture sectors such as fisheries, livestock, and pineapple cultivation, emphasizing their role in empowering national food security.
Addressing the agrofood trade deficit, Mohamad highlighted the ministry's focus on narrowing the export-import gap based on data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). He announced plans to make a special announcement on boosting agricultural exports.
He also encouraged Agro Award recipients to demonstrate their capabilities in the agrofood industry. Best Agropreneur award recipient Khirul Nizam Tan, who has expanded his livestock operations in Ipoh, Perak, expressed gratitude for the recognition and shared his success story driven by government support and financing from Agrobank.
The Agro Award ceremony also recognized other industry players, including Best Young Agropreneur Lee Huat Seng, Best Fisherman Johar Mad Othman, Best Agrofood Marketer Pak Ali Food Industries Sdn Bhd, and Best Farmers' Organisation Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan Jerantut.