KOTA KINABALU: More than 450 villagers are expecting lucrative incomes from the large-scale pineapple cultivation in Kampung Gana, Kota Marudu.
The first batch, expected in October, is estimated to yield 5,000 tonnes of fruit valued at RM20 million.
Last year, the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS) was entrusted by the Economy Ministry to execute People's Income Initiatives to cultivate MD2 pineapple on 80.9 hectares of land in the village.
This year, LIGS aims to expand the programme to an additional 121.41 hectares in the same area.
Kota Marudu is one of the poorest districts in Malaysia.
Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan said this initiative is one of the initial steps to increase the income of rubber plantation smallholders.
"LIGS is now geared towards expanding the potential of the pineapple industry to explore the packaging and processing sectors of MD2 pineapples.
"The anticipated yield, expected to begin at the end of October this year, will be value-added so that participants can achieve better income," he said during the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
The MoU is between LIGS, Rompin Integrated Pineapple Industries Sdn Bhd, and UNA Crop Sdn Bhd.
Jeffrey's speech was read by his assistant minister Peto Galim.
The collaboration with Rompin aims to ensure a sustainable pineapple industry ecosystem, and that all pineapple production from the initiative will have a stable market.
The second MoU will ensure LIGS has access to high-quality MD2 pineapple seeds and technical expertise.
"This collaboration with two experienced and reputable companies in their respective fields not only demonstrates their confidence in LIGS's vision, but also represents a significant step in the efforts to elevate the dignity of Sabah's agriculture on the world stage," said Jeffrey
"On this occasion, I would like to emphasise on the importance of cooperation and commitment from all parties.
"Nothing can be achieved without the support and collaboration among the government, private sector, and especially our farmers who are the backbone of our agricultural industry."
Present were the Ministry's permanent secretary Datuk Robert Stidi and LIGS general manager Sabdil Tanjong.
