From gastronomic haven, Penang also wants to be a fruits paradise

PENANG does not only want to be known as a gastronomic haven but as a tropical fruits paradise, especially for durians.

To achieve its aim, the state, with the help of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, has allocated RM14.533 million this year to empower harvesting agro-food industries such as tropical fruits, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

As the state enjoys a bumper crop harvest with durians this season, with some quarters alleging that there is an oversupply in the open market, Chow said that Penang sees great potential.

The state allocated RM6.73 million, more than the RM2.23 million under the Madani Federal Government, the Batu Kawan Member of Parliament said.

There is an additional allocation of RM5.93 million from the Agro-Food Industry food enhancement programme under the ministry.

Last year, Chow revealed that the fruits sector yielded a total of 30,947 metric tons worth RM309.47 million - outstripping rice and other food commodities in Penang.

"This proved that fruits are the main catalyst for farming in Penang besides producing the most premium durians in the country," said Chow.

As for the "King of Fruit," the durian yield has also increased from 17,910 metric tons in 2024 to 18,870 metric tons last year, while the land for cultivation has also increased to 2,220 ha throughout the state.

The durian orchards are usually found in the Balik Pulau, Nibong Tebal and Bukit Mertajam districts.

He urged all players to support the local farmers to turn the state into a top producer of tropical fruits. - June 29, 2026.