Malaysia's pineapple industry is emerging as a billion-ringgit sector, with the Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu reporting RM1.3 billion (approximately US$281 million) in pineapple output for 2024, marking a 34% increase over the prior year.
The pineapple production volume experienced a 17% rise, amounting to 520,000 metric tons over 13,000 hectares. The minister noted, "This shows that pineapples are not just a fruit we enjoy, but a true engine of rural economic development."
Currently, Malaysia supports over 8,000 growers and more than 300 companies engaged in pineapple cultivation, from small to large-scale operations. The country reports a self-sufficiency level for pineapples at 103%, which facilitates both domestic and export opportunities. Advances in agritech, such as the use of drone technology, have seen farmers double their income, as evidenced by a Johor farmer increasing annual earnings from RM180,000 to RM350,000 (roughly US$39,000 to US$76,000).
In Pahang, initiatives like the Hijrah Asnaf Pineapple Farming programme have enabled participants from underprivileged backgrounds to earn up to RM5,000 (approx. US$1,100) monthly. Meanwhile, RM75 million (US$16.2 million) is earmarked under the 12th Malaysia Plan for pineapple cultivation in Sarawak, with existing operations like those in Ulu Moyan already producing 50 tons monthly. The introduction of the Sarawak Gold (SG1) variety aims to bolster the local market alongside innovations like utilizing pineapple waste for livestock feed.
Kedah's adoption of artificial intelligence and satellite imaging contributes to a 30% increase in yield and a 40% reduction in operational costs, supporting the growing demand from countries like China and Singapore.
Looking forward, the 13th Malaysia Plan proposes the expansion of cultivated land to 30,000 hectares, boosting production to 1 million metric tons and doubling exports from 2,300 to 4,000 containers annually. Johor remains the primary producer, accounting for 68% of the cultivated land.
Minister Mohamad encourages broader engagement across states and the private sectors in the pineapple industry to accentuate its role in national and rural development.
Source: The Straits Times
