KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has big potential to become the country’s main pineapple production hub, in line with efforts to strengthen the tropical fruit industry for both domestic and export markets.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said 300 hectares in Sinua have been identified for a pilot pineapple project in collaboration with the Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB).
He said thousands of hectares in other locations have also been earmarked for pineapple plantation development.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“Among the potential areas are Kota Marudu, Beaufort and locations along major roads that are suitable for large-scale, commercial pineapple cultivation,” he said at the pre-launch of the 4th World Irrigation Forum (WIF4) in conjunction with the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNKL) at the Sabah International Convention Centre, Saturday.
Mohamad Sabu said the pineapple production is not only meant for the local market but also for export, thereby enhancing the value-added potential of agricultural produce in Sabah and Sarawak.
At the event, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) were signed, involving the marketing of edible bird’s nests to the Chinese market and the development of pineapple cultivation.
The agreements related to the export of both raw and processed bird’s nests are expected to expand the market potential for Malaysia’s high-value agro-products.
On the WIF4, Mohamad said it will bring together global leaders, technical experts and policymakers from 24 countries to address pressing issues in climate change impacts and water resource management in agriculture.
He said the high-level international gathering, to be held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, is a strategic avenue to discuss critical challenges in the global irrigation sector and the need for sustainable modernisation of irrigation systems.
One of the highlights of WIF4 will be the High-Level Advisory Group Meeting, which is expected to produce policy recommendations and a global roadmap to strengthen the role of irrigation in ensuring world food security.
Mohamad described Malaysia’s selection as host as an international recognition of the country’s expertise in irrigation, agricultural drainage and water resource management.
Mohamad said the forum is expected to draw more than 1,000 participants from over 30 countries, including government representatives, research institutions, international organisations, the private sector and farming communities.
More than 100 presentations will be delivered, covering comprehensive discussions across the forum’s four sub-themes.
“The forum will provide an important avenue for sharing best practices and learning from international experiences in strengthening the country’s irrigation sector,” he said, adding that it also bridges the gap between practical field experience with scientific research, while promoting stronger international cooperation.
Mohamad urged all participants, including policymakers, researchers, engineers and agro entrepreneurs, to take the initiative in building robust collaborative networks to accelerate the implementation of high-impact projects.
He also called on them to seize the opportunity to explore and adopt the latest technologies and innovative practices that can enhance the precision and efficiency of irrigation, encouraging open and constructive dialogue to formulate policy recommendations and practical measures to address future challenges.
Mohamad said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has taken proactive steps to transform the irrigation sector by introducing modern technologies such as precision agriculture, the use of Internet of Things (IoT) in smart irrigation systems, and integrated approaches to sustainable water resource management for irrigation, agricultural drainage and water supply, all aimed at strengthening the agri food sector.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, and the Ministry’s Secretary-General Datuk Seri Isham Ishak.
