{
  "id": 4133835,
  "title": "Durian, pineapple and RM8b in deals: Malaysia goes big at MAHA 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/durian-pineapple-and-rm8b-in-deals-malaysia-goes-big-at-maha-2026-4133835",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-29T07:08:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/29/durian-pineapple-and-rm8b-in-deals-malaysia-goes-big-at-maha-2026/233180"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Serdang, on August 29, 2026 — The Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026 is set to witness a significant surge in partnerships and agreements worth approximately RM8 billion. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu revealed that about RM4 billion of this total would involve collaborations with China, while the remaining amount would be inked with other countries. These deals would focus on technology exchange, investment opportunities, capacity building, and training for farmers in areas such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Furthermore, they aim to provide a platform for local agri-food products to enter export markets. Mohamad also highlighted the MAHA Go Global initiative as a strategy to broaden the reach of Malaysian products, particularly in regions where the country is currently lagging, such as Central Asia and Eastern Europe. The minister particularly emphasized the potential of local products like pineapples and durians for international market expansion. Pineapple exports in Malaysia have already surpassed RM1 billion, while demand for durians in China remains consistently strong. A primary goal of MAHA 2026 is to create value by transforming local agricultural produce into higher-value downstream products, thereby preventing the country from exporting raw materials and subsequently importing processed goods from abroad. The agriculture sector has been experiencing positive growth in its contribution to the country's GDP, and the ministry anticipates this trend to continue. In order to address the widening agri-food import bill, currently exceeding RM80 billion, intensified efforts are being made to enhance agricultural exports. MAHA 2026, held at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (Maeps) from August 28 to September 6, is expected to draw about 2,000 exhibitors and attract over four million visitors.",
  "summary": "SERDANG, Aug 29 — Some 121 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth about RM8 billion are expected to be signed in...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Durian, pineapple and RM8b in deals: Malaysia goes big at MAHA 2026",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/durian-pineapple-and-rm8b-in-deals-malaysia-goes-big-at-maha-2026",
        "published": "2026-08-29T07:08:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}