Durian, pineapple and RM8b in deals: Malaysia goes big at MAHA 2026

During the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026, numerous Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth approximately RM8 billion are anticipated to be signed. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu disclosed that around RM4 billion of this amount would involve collaborations with China, while the rest would be with various other nations.

These agreements encompass technology exchange, investment prospects, capacity building and farmer training, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as facilitating local agri-food products' access to export markets. The MAHA Go Global initiative aims to extend the reach of local products, especially in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, addressing the country's lagging market presence.

Mohamad highlighted pineapples and durians as prominent local products with substantial potential for international expansion. With Malaysian pineapple exports surpassing RM1 billion and China's consistent demand for durians, there exists ample room for growth. A crucial aspect of MAHA 2026 is value creation, ensuring that local agricultural produce is transformed into higher-value downstream products instead of being merely exported as raw materials and imported as processed goods from abroad.

The agriculture sector has demonstrated positive growth in its contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the ministry anticipating further increases this year. Efforts to enhance agricultural exports are being intensified to alleviate the nation's mounting agri-food import bill, which currently exceeds RM80 billion.

The MAHA 2026 exhibition, held from August 28 to September 6 at Maeps, will bring together approximately 2,000 exhibitors and is anticipated to attract over four million visitors.