PUTRAJAYA: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry will begin preparations for the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (Maha) 2028 early, with a focus on improving planning, coordination and visitor experience.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the ministry aimed to make the next edition bigger, more vibrant and engaging through innovative programmes, wider industry participation and more meaningful experiences for visitors.
He said all suggestions raised during the post-mortem review of Maha 2026 should be assessed for feasibility, particularly those involving financial implications.
“The Maha venue should also be better prepared to ensure it can operate at an optimal level. The viability of MARDICorp generating revenue to support these efforts should also be examined,” he said at the Maha 2026 Appreciation event, here on Thursday (Oct 15).
Mohamad said collaboration with other ministries, state governments, industry players, stakeholders and international partners should also be expanded to ensure that the exhibition delivered tangible benefits to the development of the agrifood sector.
He described Maha as one of the government’s largest and most significant events, noting that its successful organisation required extensive planning, implementation and coordination among numerous parties.
“What makes us all proud is that Maha is brought to life through our collective effort, truly embodying the spirit of sharing both the heavy burdens and the lighter tasks,” he said.
Mohamad also highlighted the role of Maha 2026 in encouraging younger generations to explore opportunities in the agrifood sector.
He said the exhibition recorded two million instances of youth engagement, describing this as a positive indication that the future of the sector could be sustained by younger generations.
He stressed that youth entrepreneurship programmes and mentorship initiatives involving industry leaders, which were showcased during Maha 2026, should continue to be developed.
Mohamad said the exhibition had also reinforced the ministry’s efforts to modernise the agrifood sector and move it towards higher-value activities.
He said the theme, “Value Creation for Food Security”, should guide future ministry initiatives, with greater emphasis on modern agriculture driven by technology and innovation while maintaining environmental sustainability.
“This transition is essential to ensure the sustainability of the nation’s agrifood sector for future generations,” he said.
Mohamad added that the increased allocation for the ministry under Budget 2027 reflected the government’s continued confidence in the ministry’s efforts to strengthen national food security and ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Maha 2026 was held from August 28 to September 6, 2026, at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), Selangor.
