Fruitful trip: Ahmad Zahid holding a press conference in Wellington on the final day of his official working visit to New Zealand. — Bernama
New Zealanders crave our premium MD2 variety
WELLINGTON: While Malaysians crave imported kiwifruit and avocado from New Zealand, Malaysian pineapples are much sought-after in New Zealand.
This was revealed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during his five-day working visit.
“There is high demand for our pineapples due to their quality, texture and sweetness. However, export of Malaysian pineapples is currently minimal,” he told reporters at a press conference here yesterday.
Among the species much sought-after by New Zealanders is the MD2 pineapple. The MD2 is considered a premium variety known for its sweetness, low acidity and fragrant aroma.
Sold locally and exported, the MD2 is also known by other trade names such as “Golden Ripe”, “Super Sweet”, “Rompine” or “Gold”.
Malaysian MD2 pineapples are currently exported to several countries in the region, apart from the Middle East and Europe.
Johor is the largest producer of MD2 pineapples in Malaysia, with Perak also involved in growing the fruit on a large scale.
Penang, Kedah, Selangor and Pahang are also starting to grow the MD2. It is a key crop under Malaysia’s Economic Transformation Programme and is targeted for higher production to meet domestic and export demand.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said he would bring the matter for further discussions with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu on how to increase the planting of Malaysian pineapples for export.
“I will also request the Selangor, Pahang, Johor and Melaka state governments to increase pineapple cultivation on a large scale,” he added.
“There is vast potential to increase the export of Malaysian pineapples due to high demand.”
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said leaders in the Madani administration should ignore “cynicism” and focus on nation-building efforts, especially when they are abroad.
He said cynicism usually comes from those opposing government efforts, even if the efforts were beneficial for the nation.
“If it’s something good, ask your friends. But if it’s something questionable, ask your enemies.
“Enemies are those who dislike. It doesn’t matter how good our deeds are. They will still find fault,” he said.
He added that cynicism has become a “daily staple” for the Opposition, particularly when government leaders travel abroad to strengthen bilateral ties and improve trade with other nations.
“They will be cynical whether the official assignment abroad involves ministers, the deputy prime minister or the prime minister.
“The important thing in these official visits is the knowledge, experience and exposure gained from new sectors that may not exist in our country.
“These are opportunities that we can explore,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid took a swipe at certain opposition leaders who used religion or alleged moral superiority to criticise the good efforts of the government.
“Cynicism from such attitudes is dangerous, especially when cloaked in the guise of religious credibility,” he said in response to criticism of his five-day working visit to New Zealand to strengthen bilateral and trade ties.
The visit included efforts to learn how the Maori in New Zealand manage their cultural and economic affairs, including land rights.
This comes following proposed amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134), which is to undergo significant improvements after 71 years.
In response to this, Ahmad Zahid assured that all 377 Orang Asli village heads would be engaged for feedback on the proposed amendments, which are likely to be tabled in Parliament in March.
He added that feedback would also be sought from related non-governmental organisations, Orang Asli professionals and academicians.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid described his working visit as successful in strengthening bilateral and trade ties with New Zealand.
He said New Zealand had agreed to join the Asean Halal Council as an associate member when it is launched this coming October during the Asean Summit.
New Zealand companies with halal certification were also invited to use Malaysia as their halal distribution hub for their products into Asean and surrounding regions, he added.
He said letters of intent were also inked with seven universities to offer twinning programmes with two universities in Malaysia.
Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee (Nadma), said a memorandum of understanding will be inked between the New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) and Nadma to strengthen bilateral cooperation in disaster management.
Ahmad Zahid’s working visit to New Zealand was from July 14 to July 18.
