The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) reports that pineapple production in Sarawak covers 2,450 hectares. LPNM chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali highlighted the necessity for comprehensive collaboration to meet the Sarawak government's target of expanding plantations to 20,000 hectares by 2030. "LPNM will continue to support and contribute in any way we can to help achieve this goal. We need to establish annual growth projections that must be met to expand pineapple cultivation," he stated. This announcement followed the Kenyalang Pineapple Sarawak Project agreement signing between JG Sarava Sdn Bhd and Mate Clove Sdn Bhd at LPNM headquarters.
Sheikh Umar emphasized the importance of strategic initiatives to increase pineapple cultivation in Sarawak and encouraged participation from industry stakeholders. JG Sarava Sdn Bhd's managing director, Datuk Jeyarajan Sri Ramalu, mentioned the partnership involves an initial RM150 million (US$31.75 million) investment to explore industry potential. The project will develop a 1,000-hectare pineapple plantation in Bintangor, Pulau Bunut, and Kampung Lebaan. Additional areas, including Dalat, Oya, and Debak, are undergoing preparation for cultivation, with Mate Clove initiating operations in these zones.
Furthermore, the project focuses on building a nursery to address the shortage of pineapple slips required for large-scale planting, aiming to expand to 12,000 hectares. According to media reports in December 2023, the Sarawak government plans to enhance plantation acreage to 20,000 hectares by 2030.
Source: Bernama