Selangor: The Selangor state government is promoting the purchase and consumption of local fruit in a bid to reduce Malaysia's reliance on imported fruit and vegetables, which cost an estimated RM7.5 billion each year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim stated that the initiative aims to boost demand for local agricultural produce and enhance the incomes of farming households and agri-entrepreneurs. He emphasized the importance of events such as the Selangor Fruit Festival 2026, which serve as vital platforms for promoting local produce. The festival encourages people to choose local fruit, highlighting its freshness and nutritional value, while aiming to cut down on import dependence.

Datuk Izham Hashim made these remarks during a press conference at the opening of the Selangor Fruit Festival 2026 at Aneka Walk. The event was also attended by Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof and Shah Alam Mayor Datuk Zabidah Safar. The three-day festival, which concludes on Sunday, is organized in collaboration with the Agriculture Committee, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS), and the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA).

The festival, running from 10 am to 10 pm, aims to generate RM250,000 in sales through various activities and direct sales by participating entrepreneurs. For the event, 40 tonnes of local fruit from 15 varieties, including durian, mangosteen, rambutan, pineapple, and guava, have been prepared for visitors.

Addressing potential challenges, Izham noted ongoing efforts to monitor water resources, including rivers and dams, to mitigate the impact of El Ni±o on agricultural activities. He mentioned that Selangor has been relying on the Rawang Water Guarantee Scheme to maintain river water supplies for padi fields and agriculture, in response to a slight decrease in river levels and potential ammonia level increases.

Izham assured that water levels at Selangor's seven main dams remain in a healthy condition, ranging between 85 percent and 90 percent, ensuring adequate water supply for the agriculture sector.