Sabak bernam: The cultivation of coconut in Sabak Bernam, pineapple in Kluang and durian in Bandar Baharu have been identified as among the prime movers of the agricultural economy in their respective districts, based on the MyAgriStats 2024 published by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin stated that the publication, covering Sabak Bernam in Selangor, Kluang in Johor, and Bandar Baharu in Kedah, marks the first phase of district-level agricultural statistics reporting and will be expanded in stages nationwide. The statistics presented are compiled from secondary data from various technical agencies related to the agricultural sector, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Services, Department of Fisheries, and Department of Forestry.

The report details that coconut cultivation in Sabak Bernam dominates agricultural activities with a planted area of 7,000 hectares, producing 105,000 tonnes valued at RM169.1 million. This is followed by red chillies valued at RM9.4 million and bananas at RM8.2 million. In terms of aquaculture, red tilapia recorded the highest production at 2,050.5 tonnes, valued at RM19.5 million, followed by tiger prawns worth RM28.9 million and whiteleg shrimp worth RM2.1 million.

In Kluang, pineapple is the largest contributor, with output valued at RM363.4 million and production of 149,600 tonnes. This is followed by durian valued at RM98 million and mustard greens (sawi) valued at RM27.4 million. Aquaculture activities in the district are led by the farming of Malaysian Golden Arowana, with production valued at RM4.3 million.

Meanwhile, in Bandar Baharu, durian is the district's main crop, with production valued at RM131.8 million, followed by pineapple worth RM3.3 million and mangosteen worth RM1.9 million. The district's aquaculture sector focuses on catfish farming, which recorded production of 1,400 tonnes valued at RM8.3 million.

The agriculture sector continues to play a pivotal role in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the selected districts. Kluang recorded the highest contribution at RM3.575 billion in 2020 at constant prices, followed by Sabak Bernam at RM918 million and Bandar Baharu at RM272 million.