MAHA 2026 Opens With RM1.49 Billion in MoUs

SHAH ALAM: MAHA Trade Days 2026 kicked off with 14 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth a total of RM1.49 billion signed on the first day, reflecting investor confidence in the potential of the country’s agrifood sector.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the collaborations encompass various strategic sub-sectors, including agricultural inputs, production and processing of produce, livestock, halal products, pineapples, technology, and capacity development.

Among the high-value collaborations is the development of a pineapple processing plant in Tukau, Miri, Sarawak, worth RM1.031 billion.

Also signed were collaborations in the production and distribution of agricultural products, the expansion of high-tech broiler farm capacity, and the development of specialised fertilisers for pineapple cultivation, reported Berita Harian.

“The RM1.49 billion value recorded on this first day is part of the overall target of more than RM8 billion for MAHA 2026’s investment and trade value.

“That target reflects the ministry’s aspiration to make MAHA not just an exhibition platform, but a strategic arena to generate trade opportunities, attract investment, and expand international market access for Malaysia’s agrifood industry,” he said at the launching ceremony in Serdang today.

In another development, Mohamad said his ministry hopes to receive additional allocations in Budget 2027 to cope with unpredictable weather and the threat of El Niño.

According to him, the allocation requirements have been discussed with the Ministry of Finance, and there is initial agreement to increase funds to face global weather challenges expected to be more severe next year.

“From that meeting, there was an agreement to increase allocations to help us face global weather challenges and El Niño, which is expected to hit Malaysia more severely next year,” he said.

He said subsidy assistance for fishermen and farmers will also continue through Budget 2027, while assistance for groups that are already capable of standing on their own will be reassessed.