KUALA LUMPUR: 97 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) worth RM10.35bil, including RM3.27bil in deals with strategic partners from China, were secured during the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-Tourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the agreements were expected to boost production and processing capacity, facilitate technology transfer and strengthen the agrofood industry's value chain.
Among the key deals was a RM1.5bil integrated fertiliser industry project involving the National Farmers' Organisation (NAFAS), China's Guizhou Phosphate Chemical Group Co Ltd and Jiangsu Chemical Design Institute Co Ltd.
The agreements also included plans to develop an integrated tuna industry and seafood processing ecosystem in Labuan.
In the pineapple sector, the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board signed a RM1bil MOU with Agrionyx Group Sdn Bhd to develop a processing facility using individual quick-freezing technology.
The technology is expected to enable the production of higher-value pineapple products and expand access to domestic and international markets.
Another RM100mil agreement involving Nafas Agri Services Sdn Bhd, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah and Pretech Global Sdn Bhd will focus on developing prebiotic-enriched fertiliser for pineapple cultivation.
Mohamad said the two pineapple-related initiatives could strengthen the industry's value chain, from agricultural inputs to processing and marketing.
The MOUs also include arrangements for the supply and distribution of premium Malaysian whole fresh durians to China, potentially strengthening distribution channels and the branding of Malaysian premium fruit overseas.
Speaking during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Mohamad was responding to Tan Kar Hing (PH-Gopeng), who asked about MAHA 2026's achievements and the added value and follow-up investments expected from the agreements.
He said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry would work with relevant agencies and industry players to facilitate investments, coordinate stakeholders and monitor projects through implementation.
The follow-up efforts would be crucial to ensuring that the announced commitments translate into actual projects that strengthen the competitiveness and growth of the agrofood sector, he added.
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