New Zealand Keen To Boost Pineapple Imports From Malaysia - DPM Zahid

From Ahmad Erwan Othman

WELLINGTON, July 18 (Bernama) -- New Zealand has expressed interest in increasing imports of Malaysian pineapples, driven by strong demand for the tropical fruit, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said Malaysian pineapples, known for their distinctive quality, flavour and texture, have gained popularity among consumers in New Zealand, presenting significant export potential in the global market.

However, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, acknowledged that Malaysia’s current export capacity remains limited and stressed the need for greater focus and coordination among the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), state governments, and agro-entrepreneurs to meet the growing demand.

“The demand is high, but our export capabilities are still constrained. We have the quality — the flavour and texture are excellent,” he told Malaysian media at the end  of his five-day working visit to New Zealand on Saturday (Friday in Malaysia).

Also present were Malaysia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Mazita Marzuki, and John K. Samuel, Undersecretary of the Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Oceania Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ahmad Zahid said he would discuss the matter further with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and will instruct the Selangor, Pahang, Johor and Melaka governments to expand large-scale cultivation of pineapples to meet export needs.

During a meeting with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), Ahmad Zahid said he received a request for Malaysia’s assistance in providing copies of the Quran translated into the Maori language.

“I was asked to help contribute Maori-language Qurans. I have contacted Yayasan Restu to explore this, and will seek funding from non-governmental sources, including individuals and private organisations,” he said.

He added that around 1,200 Maori have embraced Islam, presenting an opportunity for Malaysia to offer support to the growing community. There are currently 96 mosques across New Zealand.

Ahmad Zahid’s working visit included engagements with senior government leaders, community dialogues, a halal industry forum, and visits to educational institutions and the country’s disaster management centre.

-- BERNAMA