PERAK has emerged as Malaysia’s top sweet corn producer for two consecutive years, with a production of 17,716 tonnes in 2023, says state Agriculture Department director Norsiyenti Othman.
The Kinta district was the state’s biggest producer with 7,056.87 tonnes harvested from 700.18ha followed by Kampar with 7,535.84 tonnes (584.17ha) and Kuala Kangsar with 1,416.61 tonnes (153.96ha), she said.
“Perak has been a major sweet corn producer since 2012.
“We were number one in 2023 and 2024, followed by Johor and Sarawak.
“The majority of our produce is sent to Cameron Highlands, Terengganu, Kelantan and the Klang Valley,” she told Bernama.
The 111.6ha Titi Gantong Food Production Permanent Park (TKPM) produced 1,001.63 tonnes worth RM1.8mil, according to Norsiyenti.
Its 13 participants also cultivate other crops such as vegetables and honeydew melons, generating an average monthly income of RM5,132.
She said the sweet corn industry had developed extensively with research and development promoting the development of downstream products.
“It’s time Perak created sweet corn-based downstream products such as crisps, flakes, cordials, cakes and kuih, as well as dry goods,” added Norsiyenti.
TKPM manager Muhammad Hazim Zainal said the programme allocated 80ha for the planting of sweet corn, in addition to growing lemongrass, honeydew melon and other vegetables.
“Participants who apply to the Perak Agriculture Department will be given land of different sizes to cultivate at a monthly rental rate of RM150 per hectare.
“The production of sweet corn is scheduled to fulfil market demands.
“Every week, about 2ha to 3ha is harvested,” he said, adding that hybrid sweet corn was planted to obtain the best quality.
Perak Agriculture Department, he said, had technical expertise in crops, plant biosecurity, pesticides and pest control.
Its officers conduct quarterly visits each year to ensure the produce met market demand, according to Muhammad Hazim.
Participant Mohd Naufall Mustafa, 44, who has been planting sweet corn since 2007 over 6ha, said he used various high-quality seeds, including GWG G907, GE 1603 and 1606, to obtain quality yields.
“More than 15,000 corn plants can be planted over 1ha, using 10 bags of 5kg seedlings over 100 beds.
“There are three seasons a year, with each season lasting between 70 and 75 days.
“Normally, we have about 21,000 stalks per harvest and we sell it wholesale for about 140 stalks per sack at RM75.
“Corn requires hot weather but it’s not good if it’s too hot as it will impact the quality.
“Grade A weighs 350g and above, Grade B between 300g and 350g while Grade C is under 300g,” he said.
