‘Jambu Melaka’ to be patented for its popularity

MELAKA: Lohan guava, an icon of Melaka’s fruit products, will soon be patented.

State rural development, agriculture and food security committee chairman Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the signature fruit, also known as jambu Melaka, was chosen because it is gaining popularity among fresh fruit lovers from within and outside the state.

Besides being huge, its crispness, sweetness and high water content added value to the fruit, making it among the popular choices for tourists, Bernama reported.

“The jambu Melaka that will be patented is specifically grown and cultivated on Gadong Island because it tastes different from other places and may be due to the type of soil in the area.

“So far, only four or five growers have cultivated this guava seriously and many have planted it on a small scale around Pulau Gadong,” he told the media after launching the Voluntourism – Melaka Nature Epic Challenge programme held in conjunction with the Visit Melaka Year 2024 in Pulau Undan here yesterday.

Commenting further, Dr Muhamad Akmal said the launch of jambu Melaka as the state’s iconic fruit is expected to be done in June.

“June is being chosen as the agriculture month, where we will hold various programmes including an agrofest and what’s more special, the largest durian festival in South-East Asia,” he said.

Earlier, a total of 50 volunteers from the EcoDistrict Association, non-governmental organisations, Putrajaya Fire Department Dive Club and Melaka Kelana Scouts, together with the Melaka Fisheries Department and Melaka Marine Park conducted beach and ghost net clean-up drives at Pulau Nangka and Pulau Undan.