Orchids can generate RM4bil in exports yearly, says Agriculture Dept

SEPANG: The export of Malaysian orchids can contribute up to RM4bil a year to Malaysia’s floriculture industry due to high demands from other countries, says the head of the Department of Agriculture Floriculture Industry Unit (Floriculture Industry Development Division) head Mohamad Nizam Malik.

He added that Malaysia needs to farm 120 hectares of orchids if it is to meet this demand.

"Currently, there are 50 orchid farms managed by local entrepreneurs that have produced yields, and we expect more orchid farms will be established,” he said, adding that if Malaysia wishes to meet the demand from Dubai, it needs to send at least 50 containers of orchids every day.

He said this to reporters after attending the launch of a pilot project involving the export of premium gift boxes of Mokara orchid to Dubai at the Cargo Complex of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport here on Saturday (Feb 17).

"We aim to provide orchids at luxury hotels not only as decorations but also as souvenirs because orchids have high aesthetics and people appreciate their uniqueness and beauty,” he said, adding that Malaysian orchids are sought-after in several countries in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar besides existing demand from countries like Singapore.

According to the Department of Agriculture’s previous statement, the floriculture industry brought in RM417.3 million through exports in 2021 compared to RM403 million in 2020.

A total of 270 premium gift boxes of the Mokara orchid will be flown to Dubai today and are expected to be launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali in conjunction with Gulfood 2024, touted as the largest food festival in Dubai. - Bernama