Serdang: China accounted for nearly one-third of the RM10.3 billion in strategic collaborations and potential investments secured at the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Agriculture and Food Security Ministry's Business Development and Investment Division Undersecretary Khalid Ibrahim stated that 17 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth RM3.2 billion were signed between Malaysian and Chinese parties. The agreements focused on premium tropical fruits including durian, jackfruit, pineapple, mangosteen, and young fresh coconut, alongside premium-grade seafood and fisheries products, advanced smart agriculture technologies, high-quality fertilisers and pesticides, as well as premium edible bird's nest and speciality coffee products. These items are key components of Malaysia's agro-food exports to China, facilitated by integrated cold-chain logistics for maintaining freshness and quality.
Meanwhile, Siti Zurianah Ismail, First Secretary at the Agriculture Counsellor Office at the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, noted that 80 delegates from China were present at MAHA 2026, making it the country's second and most significant participation since 2024. The delegates included businessmen, wholesale associations, potential partners, and investors. Additionally, China hosted two pavilions at the event, featuring over 100 products, with popular items such as honey, Halal beef jerky, yak bone marrow, drone technology, and health supplements drawing significant attention.
Siti Zurianah highlighted that the robust Chinese presence underscored the increasing interest in Malaysia's agro-food sector, particularly in areas like trade, investment, technology, and market opportunities. Themed 'Creating Value for Food Security', MAHA 2026 took place at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) from August 28 to September 6, attracting approximately 4.3 million visitors, including 1.7 million youths, as of September 5.
During the closing ceremony, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced that MAHA 2026 had surpassed its RM8 billion target by securing strategic collaborations and potential investments valued at about RM10.3 billion.