SERDANG: The Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026 exceeded its target, drawing 4.3 million visitors as of Saturday night ahead of its official close on Sunday (Sept 6), says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The flagship agricultural showcase gathered over 2,000 local and international exhibitors, yielding RM66.88mil in direct sales. Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) signed during the event are projected to secure RM10.3bil in potential investments.
Speaking at the event's closing ceremony, Mohamad noted that the exhibition attracted strong interest from state royalty and high-level stakeholders, marking a key milestone for the domestic agrifood industry.
"The conclusion of MAHA 2026 does not mark an end to our efforts," Mohamad said. "Rather, it will serve as a new springboard for the transformation of the nation’s agricultural sector. All signed agreements, established understandings, and ideas generated throughout this exhibition must be followed up with swift action so that the benefits directly reach our farmers, growers, livestock breeders, fishermen, and consumers."
Highlighting progress in national food security, Mohamad said that Malaysia successfully reduced its agrifood trade deficit by RM5.4bil, a 13.8% decline, in 2025.
That trajectory accelerated in early 2026, with the trade deficit shrinking by an additional 26.4% through May. The improvement was driven by an 8.1% surge in exports to RM58.8bil, while imports dropped 1.1% to RM92.7bil compared to the same period last year. Pineapple exports alone tripled compared to levels recorded three years ago.
Following these gains, Mohamad appealed directly to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for an increased budget allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to sustain momentum.
He reiterated his vision for MAHA to remain Southeast Asia's premier agrifood innovation hub while driving youth participation and skilled talent into farming to build a self-reliant, food-secure nation.
