Malaysia looking to China to sign MOUs worth RM4bil during expo
SERDANG: China is expected to account for about half of the RM8bil worth of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to be signed during the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exposition (Maha 2026).
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said that an estimated RM4bil would come from China, with the rest from several other countries.
He added that 14 countries were taking part in Maha 2026, including China, the United States, Russia, Japan, South Korea and Brazil.
About 121 MOUs have been lined up during the expo, covering technology transfer, investment, export opportunities and training, including technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
Mohamad said the ministry wanted the MOUs to boost exports and help local producers move up the value chain, rather than exporting raw produce and buying it back after it had been processed abroad.
He noted that Malaysia’s food import bill had exceeded RM80bil, while much of what the country exported was low in value.
He cited durian as an example, saying a single fruit could fetch RM300 in China but was also used in products such as chocolate and ice cream, which could command much higher prices.
“We do not want to export raw produce and then re-import it after it has been processed abroad.
“Let us be the ones to process it,” he said.
He said that durians remained in high demand in China, while a market for Malaysian pineapples had recently been opened in New Zealand, although local production remained low.
Mohamad also said that through the Maha Go Global initiative and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), local producers would have their products better marketed in Central Asia and Eastern Europe.
He said Malaysian products were under-represented in those markets, where retail shelves were largely stocked with products from Vietnam and Thailand.
Several cooperation agreements are expected to be concluded during Maha 2026.
Maha 2026 drew 140,000 visitors on its opening day, and Mohamad said he expected larger crowds in the coming days as school holidays have begun.
He urged visitors to wear face masks because of the haze and called on the media to help spread the message.
Maha 2026 is being held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) until Sept 6.
