KUCHING: (Oct 20) Sarawak has been selected to host Malaysia Pineapple Day on June 25 to 27, 2027 in conjunction with World Pineapple Day, said Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

He said this is in view of Sarawak’s large potential to be the next pineapple production hub in Malaysia.

Dr Rundi said the pineapple industry continues to grow, driven by the expansion of planted areas, targeted government assistance, and growing private sector investment.

“The total planted area increased by 42.7 per cent, from 1,886 hectares in 2020 to approximately 2,690 hectares in 2025.

“This upward trend is expected to continue, with the planted area projected to reach approximately 3,300 hectares by the end of 2026,” said Dr Rundi in his ministerial winding up speech.

He said under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), the Pineapple Development Programme received a total allocation of RM54.34 million from the government.

“The programme benefitted 1,113 smallholders across 1,372 hectares throughout Sarawak, contributing significantly to the expansion of pineapple cultivation,” he said.

Dr Rundi said future growth would be supported by continued planting initiatives and the strategic development of Agropark Dalat under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

He said the 814-hectare agropark would focus primarily on pineapple cultivation, creating opportunities for local farming communities to participate in the value chain and increase their income.

“My ministry will continue to promote downstream processing and private sector participation to enhance the value and competitiveness of Sarawak’s pineapple industry.

“Notably, a private investor is investing approximately RM70 million to establish an integrated pineapple processing facility in Tukau, Miri. As of October 2026, construction has reached 60 per cent completion, with operations targeted to commence by June 2027,” he said.

In addition to that, he said more pineapple processing plants will be established in Mukah, Betong, Samarahan and Kuching to meet the needs of pineapple development zones.