Serdang: The Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show (MAHA) 2026, which concluded yesterday, achieved notable success, not only in promoting the nation's agricultural sector but also in bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and sparking greater interest in agriculture among the young generation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the participation of people from various backgrounds throughout the 10-day event demonstrated that MAHA had broad appeal extending beyond agricultural industry players. He noted that the event also saw increasingly significant participation from the Chinese community, as well as greater involvement by young people in the various activities and exhibitions held throughout MAHA 2026.
'Agriculture is perhaps not a matter of political background; it is a matter of unity towards achieving food security,' he told a press conference on the achievements of MAHA 2026 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) here. Held under the theme 'Penciptaan Nilai Demi Keterjaminan Makanan' from Aug 28, MAHA 2026 attracted 5.02 million visitors, including 2.01 million youths, and generated sales totalling RM73.08 million.
The 14th edition brought together more than 2,000 exhibitors and delegates from 14 countries, while 97 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth RM10.35 billion were signed, reflecting the scale of participation and collaboration achieved during the event. Mohamad said the achievements demonstrated MAHA's continued growth as a platform connecting the public, industry players, the government and youth in efforts to strengthen the nation's agrifood ecosystem.
On the continuity of initiatives beyond MAHA 2026, he said the business and enterprise networks established during the event were expected to continue growing even after the show ended. 'MAHA certainly does not end here. Business and enterprise networks will continue to thrive until we hopefully meet again in two years,' he said.
Mohamad also expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in ensuring the smooth organisation of MAHA 2026, including the secretariat, ministries, agencies, state governments, industry players, entrepreneurs, strategic partners, security personnel and volunteers. Among the key attractions at MAHA 2026 were the padi, pineapple, vegetable, herb, corn and onion, floriculture, fisheries, smart farming and veterinary zones, as well as the state pavilions, agrosafari, Bang Mat Village, Rhythm of the Farmers (ROTF) and Kiddies Wonderland.
The edition also placed strong emphasis on agrotechnology and innovation, including smart farming, automation, drones, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and food technology, while providing opportunities for youths to explore careers and entrepreneurship in the agrifood sector. The MAHA 2026 closing ceremony was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at MAEPS yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Pavilion was named the winner of the MAHA 2026 Best State Pavilion Award, followed by the Perak Pavilion in second place and the Kedah Pavilion in third.