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New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Pineapple industry board backs move to expand exports to New Zealand
JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) has welcomed New Zealand's proposal to boost Malaysian pineapple imports into the country, calling it a strong endorsement of the fruit's quality and export potential. The proposal follows Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's recent official visit to New Zealand, where the New Zealanders expressed keen interest in sourcing more premium Malaysian pineapples, particularly the MD2 variety. LPNM chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said the board sees the development as a strategic opportunity to widen Malaysia's high-impact export reach in the Asia-Pacific region. "New Zealand's interest reflects global confidence in the quality, safety, and competitiveness of Malaysian pineapples. This momentum must be seized," he said in a statement today. Two export trial studies conducted by LPNM in October last year, and last month, revealed the country's pineapple-based value-added products such as frozen pineapple cubes, dried chunks, pineapple crisps, pineapple-flavoured ice cream, and energy gels, were well accepted by foreigners. The trials also confirmed compliance with New Zealand's food safety and import standards, he said. LPNM is now working with relevant agencies to assess the country's readiness to meet full export requirements for fresh and processed pineapples. To ensure a sustainable supply and meet rising international demand, LPNM has rolled out several key strategies. These include expanding cultivated land with support from state governments. Sheikh Umar said incentives and training would be provided to smallholders and entrepreneurs to boost productivity and participation. The board is also strengthening supply chain management to ensure smooth distribution from farm to market. In addition, LPNM is prioritising strict adherence to quality and food safety standards through certifications such as MyGAP, GLOBALG.A.P., and HACCP. He added inter-agency cooperation to streamline export procedures, including quarantine compliance and facility audits, were also areas that will be further enhanced. In 2024, Malaysia exported 11,633 metric tonnes of fresh pineapples worth RM23.1 million, 30,735 metric tonnes of processed pineapple products, including juice and canned varieties, to over 20 countries such as China, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and Japan. The country's total export value of pineapple products last year reached RM1.73 billion. "LPNM remains committed to reinforcing Malaysia's competitiveness in the global tropical fruit market through data-driven, tech-focused and sustainable approaches," Sheikh Umar said. He also extended the board's appreciation to Zahid for promoting pineapples on the global stage, expressing confidence that Malaysia can become a leading global supplier of premium tropical pineapples.
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Penang durians to get new track-and-trace system
The track-and-trace tag that will be attached to Penang durians to ensure authenticity. — Photo courtesy of Fahmi Zainol GEORGE TOWN (May 22): A new track-and-trace system will soon be introduced to monitor durian output in Penang, with tags attached to the fruit for greater transparency. Penang Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said the system, developed in collaboration with MIMOS Sdn Bhd, will be rolled out from June 1 to coincide with the start of the durian season. 'This is a smart platform that was developed after we received complaints from local operators on fraud and exploitation by other irresponsible parties,' he said during his winding-up speech at the state legislative assembly. Later, he told reporters the track-and-trace system will offer end-to-end visibility from farms to retailers. 'There were many durian sellers from other states who claimed their durians are from Balik Pulau, Penang and this has affected our own local durian sellers,' he said. He added that some sellers were passing off imported durians from Thailand as Penang produce, which had negatively impacted local durian stalls and farms. This prompted the state government to introduce the system. The platform will allow real-time tracking of the origin, certification, and status of each durian, ensuring authenticity and transparency for consumers. 'This system will support verification of product certifications so there is quality assurance and transparency,' he said. He added that the system would also improve efficiency, ensure compliance with local regulations, and build consumer trust in local durian sellers. 'This is also in line with the state's efforts to strengthen the durian industry and protect the interests of local durian producers,' he said. Penang will be the first state in Malaysia to implement such a system to monitor its durian industry, although a similar system is already in use in Thailand. On durian exports, Fahmi said Penang exported a total of 67,203kg of durians last year, a slight dip of 467 kilograms compared to 67,670kg in 2023. He attributed the drop in exports to hot weather, which reduced yields last year. 'The higher demand for Penang durians domestically has also affected the total exports,' he said. Still, he noted that demand for Malaysian durians remained strong, boosted by the MyGAP certification, which is recognised by countries including China. 'The main countries that import durians from Malaysia are China and Singapore,' he said. Musang King (D197) and Black Thorn (orchee/D200) remain the two most popular export varieties. Penang durian producers have also continued to develop new cultivars, with two new varieties — Kim Long (D230) and Cenderawasih (D229) — registered in 2023. Asked whether the late start to this year's season would affect supply, he said the main harvest period remains between June and July, with some farms experiencing shorter seasons between December and January. 'State durian producers remained committed in ensuring adequate supply and that their farms always comply with MyGAP certification in terms of productivity and this will not impact the export market,' he said. He added that other states, such as Kedah and Perak, also contribute to the export of popular varieties like Black Thorn and Musang King. 'We have Penang farmers who have started durian farms in Perak and Kedah too,' he said. — Malay Mail Fahmi Zainol. lead Penang durians track-and-trace
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang to roll out 'Track & Trace' tech to protect its durians
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is forging a strategic partnership with national research and development centre MIMOS Sdn Bhd to roll out a smart monitoring system known as 'Track and Trace', aimed at ensuring the authenticity and quality of locally produced durians. State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said the technology would be introduced from June 1, in conjunction with the start of the durian season. Every year, durian enthusiasts descend upon Balik Pulau in search of the finest specimens of the so-called King of Fruits. Fahmi said the initiative was introduced following mounting complaints from local growers regarding fraudulent practices and the exploitation of Penang's durian brand by unscrupulous parties. "This system is expected to provide a comprehensive solution to challenges faced by durian farmers, particularly in Penang. It will also enhance operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and boost consumer confidence in our durians," he said today. The 'Track and Trace' platform will document and monitor each stage of the durian production process. This includes the issuance of a barcode and certificate for each orchard, recognised by both state and federal authorities. "Customers will be able to scan the barcode on a tag attached to the durian's stem to confirm whether the fruit is genuinely from Penang," he said. Fahmi said that Penang would become the first state in Malaysia to adopt this verification technology, which is already in use in Thailand. "We have received numerous complaints of durians from other states — and even from Thailand — being passed off as Penang durians. This misleads visitors and undermines our local producers," he said. The initiative is being developed in collaboration with MIMOS and several agencies, including the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), the State Agrotechnology and Tourism Excos, and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry. "These collaborations are vital to making Penang's durian industry more sustainable and competitive, both locally and on the global stage," he added. On exports, Fahmi said Penang's durian market is poised for growth this year, particularly due to robust demand from key destinations such as China and Singapore. Popular export varieties include the Musang King (D197) and Ochee, or Black Thorn (D200). "Malaysia's durians enjoy strong demand thanks to the guaranteed quality and compliance with MyGAP certification standards, which are widely recognised by importing countries," he said. He also said that two new durian varieties — Kim Long (D230) and Cenderawasih (D229) — were officially registered in Penang in 2023. While some growers have reported a delay in this year's season and slightly lower yields compared to last year, Fahmi is confident that export performance will remain unaffected. "Last year, our total durian exports stood at 67,203kg, slightly below the 67,670kg recorded in 2023. China was our largest importer with 38,800kg. "The peak season generally runs from mid-June to July, with an off-season crop between December and January," he added. Fahmi credited the sector's performance to the dedication of durian entrepreneurs in adhering to good agricultural practices under the MyGAP certification scheme.
