Flying pomelos from Sabah's fruit basket to Singapore

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has sent its first air shipment of pomelos from Sabah’s fruit basket of Tenom, to Singapore on Saturday (June 6).

State Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Junz Wong said with this, they had successfully penetrated the Singaporean market and he hoped to see more of such ventures in the near future.

He said this would not only help local farmers increase their income but also help the state economically, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic that has affected many countries.

“‪Air shipment will be the way forward for Sabah and I can’t wait to materialise the plan in collaboration with AirAsia to set up an air cargo logistic hub in Sabah,” he said when contacted.

Wong said this shipment of three metric tonnes of raw product is worth about RM9,000.

“We are still trying to capture the market share but the price will see adjustments once there is competition,” he said.

Apart from pomelos, Sabah is also looking at exporting avocados and other fruits in phases.

Wong said Sabah is capable of producing export-grade food with the right technology, assistance and guidance.

He said the ministry and department involved in the food and agriculture industry would work closely together to improve food quality and production in Sabah.