CONSUMING locally grown fruits and vegetables not only supports farmers but will help reduce reliance on foreign imports costing the country RM7.5bil annually.
Selangor infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim said this after launching a three-day fruit festival in Shah Alam.
“Programmes like Selangor Fruit Festival 2026 are an important annual platform for promoting high-quality local produce.
“If we begin by using local fruit instead of imported fruit in gift baskets, it will significantly strengthen the sales of our farmers and agri-entrepreneurs,” he told the press, as reported by Bernama.
Also present at the festival, held at Aneka Walk, were Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof and Shah Alam mayor Datuk Zabidah Safar.
The festival was a collaboration by the state agriculture committee, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority, Selangor State Development Corporation and Shah Alam City Council.
Some 40 tonnes of local fruits, including durian, mangosteen, rambutan, pineapple and langsat, were offered for sale.
Addressing concerns about the hot weather and market disruptions, Izham said efforts were ongoing to monitor water resources, including rivers and dams, to minimise the impact of El Nino on agricultural activities.
“Water levels at Selangor’s seven main dams are in a very healthy condition, ranging from 85% to 90%, ensuring sufficient supply for the agriculture sector,” he said.
