Kuala lumpur: The Negeri Sembilan government is targeting sales of RM300,000 and 150,000 visitors at the Negeri Sembilan Pavilion during the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agrotourism Show (MAHA) 2026, held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) here. Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim stated that these targets are an increase from those recorded at MAHA 2024, where the pavilion achieved nearly RM284,000 in sales and welcomed about 130,000 visitors.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, to bolster the state's participation, the government has invested nearly RM3 million in constructing a permanent Negeri Sembilan Pavilion at MAEPS. Completed in eight months, the pavilion offers exhibition and sales spaces, along with interactive facilities to highlight the state's agricultural and commercial products, agricultural technology, agro-based industry products, investment opportunities, and agrotourism. The inauguration ceremony of the pavilion was attended by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, and the Tunku Ampuan Besar, Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud.
Ismail revealed that this year's MAHA features 18 entrepreneurs, compared to seven in 2024. Among the showcased items are Induk Salai, Durich Satay Tulang, Jemapoh Pizza, jagung retot (retort corn) by Leja Food, Apam Johol, and kuih sopang. The agriculture sector remains a vital component of the state's economy, generating RM3.44 billion in value added in 2025, up from RM3.40 billion in 2024, contributing 6.2 percent to the state's gross domestic product.
He emphasized the state's objective to transition the agriculture sector from production-focused activities to higher-value operations that involve processing, value addition, and expanded marketing, aligning with the Negeri Sembilan Structure Plan 2040. The plan proposes the development of Rembau, Kuala Pilah, Jempol, and Gemas as agropolitan centres to enhance agricultural services, downstream activities, and local produce marketing. Additionally, the biodiversity and ecotourism potential in Jelebu will be developed sustainably.
Addressing the ageing agricultural workforce highlighted in the 2024 Negeri Sembilan Agricultural Census, Ismail welcomed the adoption of technologies such as the Internet of Things and smart irrigation systems to boost farmers' productivity and income. Negeri Sembilan has received RM13.74 million from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as part of the national agrifood empowerment programme.
Earlier in the day, Tuanku Muhriz was greeted by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Ismail upon arrival at the venue. Notable attendees included Negeri Sembilan State Secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim, Negeri Sembilan State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Dr Awaludin Said, and members of the state executive council. Tuanku Muhriz and Tuanku Aishah Rohani toured the exhibition booths in Hall A, visited the Negeri Sembilan Pavilion, and interacted with exhibitors and entrepreneurs. They also toured the padi and livestock zones.
The 14th edition of MAHA spans 10 days from August 28 to September 6, serving as a platform for industry players, government agencies, entrepreneurs, research institutions, and higher education institutions to showcase innovations, technologies, and business opportunities in the agrifood sector.