FIRST EXPORT OF FRESH MD2 PINEAPPLE FROM SABAH
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah made history in the agricultural sector with its first shipment of 15 tonnes of fresh MD2 pineapples exported overseas via Sepanggar Port on Tuesday (Feb 25)
.
This export was carried out under the People's Income Initiative – Agropreneur Program (IPR INTAN), managed by the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (SRIB), and was sent to Rompin Integrated Pineapple Industries (ROMPINE).
Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Seri Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, in his speech at the launch ceremony at Sepanggar Port, described this achievement as a symbol of transformation in Sabah’s agricultural landscape, particularly for small-scale farmers striving to improve their livelihoods through modern and high-value agriculture.
According to him, the state government has taken bold steps to diversify the agricultural sector, including introducing MD2 pineapple cultivation as a new alternative under the management of SRIB.
Jeffrey, who is also Sabah’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry, explained that the decision to cultivate MD2 pineapples was not made arbitrarily but was based on in-depth research on crops with high potential returns that are also well-suited to Sabah’s climate and soil conditions.
“In 2023, this project was initiated with an allocation of RM11.04 million from the Ministry of Economy. In 2024, an additional RM16.58 million was provided to expand plantation areas, along with RM4 million allocated for the construction of a Pineapple Collection and Packaging Center in Kota Marudu,” he said.He added that as a result of this investment, Sabah is now capable of exporting MD2 pineapples to a broader market, further proving the state’s capability in high-value agriculture.
Jeffrey also expressed his appreciation for the role of LIGS, which has not only advanced Sabah’s rubber sector but has also helped smallholder farmers improve their livelihoods and created opportunities for agropreneurs.
“This project demonstrates how SRIB can bring significant changes to small-scale farmers and contribute to the overall economic development of Sabah,” he said. He further stated his confidence that SRIB will continue to expand its role in downstream industries related to rubber and rubberwood, thereby enhancing Sabah’s competitiveness at both the national and international levels.
He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Economy for its continuous support of this project and acknowledged the efforts of farmers, SRIB, and strategic partners such as ROMPINE and Una Crop in ensuring better market access for Sabah’s products.“The Sabah state government will continue to support a market-oriented agricultural sector, not only to increase farmers’ income but also to ensure food security for the state and the country,” he said.
He then officiated the launch ceremony for Sabah’s first export of fresh MD2 pineapples, marking a significant step in strengthening the state’s position in modern agriculture.