JOHOR BARU: Johor is looking to tap into New Zealand’s growing interest in tropical fruits from Malaysia, especially the MD2 pineapple variety, as part of efforts to expand its agricultural exports.
State agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the opportunity arose during a recent working visit to the island nation with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said he was part of the Malaysian delegation where they met with New Zealand’s Agriculture, Forestry, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay at the New Zealand Parliament in Wellington.
“McClay expressed strong interest in Malaysia’s halal industry and welcomed closer strategic ties not only in halal certification, but also to position Malaysia as a gateway to the Asean market, which has over 600 million people.”
He said McClay was receptive about Malaysian agricultural produce, particularly tropical fruits like pineapples, and had opened the door for investment opportunities for Malaysian companies in New Zealand.
Zahari said Ahmad Zahid had suggested that Johor take the lead in seizing the opportunity.
“I will hold discussions with entrepreneurs and relevant agencies to explore this potential further,” he said.
Zahari said Johor has 10,558ha of pineapple plantations, producing 347,490 metric tonnes annually, with an estimated value of RM920mil.
“Despite this, our production is still unable to meet the increasing demand from Europe, the Middle East and other international markets,” he said.
Zahari also said that during the trip there, he met with a Simpang Renggam-born entrepreneur who has been running a business in New Zealand for about 18 years.
“During the meeting, we discussed the potential for snack products from Johor to get into the New Zealand market.”
He said a series of follow-up meetings would be held with government agencies under the Johor Agricultural Export Market Strengthening Committee to explore the opportunity in greater detail.
Zahari also highlighted Johor’s achievements in the agro-based industry (IAT) sector with the state recording 1,604 registered IAT entrepreneurs last year.
“Johor-based IAT entrepreneurs accounted for 27% of the national total under the Agriculture Department.
“That same year, our IAT sector recorded nearly RM348.2mil in sales, which contributed to 29% of Malaysia’s total sales,” he said.
