LPNM, UMT Create 'Hana Dan Dunia Nanas' Comic On Numerous Benefits Of Pineapple

By Muhammad Adil Muzaffar Mohd Fisol

SERDANG, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) joined forces to create a children's comic focused on the numerous benefits and uses of pineapples.

Titled Hana dan Dunia Nanas, the comic tells the story of a curious young girl named Hana and her aunt, Cik Bah, a researcher dedicated to studying pineapples.

In discussing its purpose, the author, Prof. Dr. Fadzilah @ Adibah Abdul Majid, a lecturer at UMT, stated that the comic aims to educate the community—especially children—about the health benefits and various uses of pineapples that many may not be aware of, using an easily understandable format

"Pineapples are rich in bromelain enzymes, which can alleviate health issues such as bronchitis, inflammation in the body, and coughs.

"The leftover parts of the pineapple can be turned into various products, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. We want to teach children this idea so they grow up to be a sustainable generation that understands the benefits of pineapples," she told Bernama after launching the comic during the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2024 on Friday. 

Commenting on the collaboration to publish the comic, LPNM Product Development and Biotechnology Division director, Elmie Adha Ismail, stated that the goal is to inspire a generation interested in the pineapple-based food and agriculture sector.

"LPNM has developed many products in partnership with producers, entrepreneurs, and industry players. However, the public is often unaware of what we are doing.

"That is why we collaborated with Prof. Adibah, who is well-known for her extensive research on pineapples, to create a comic for children," he said.

Elmie Adha said the collaboration is funded through promotional and publicity incentives under the Innovative Pineapple Product Development Programme.

He further emphasised that sparking children's interest from an early age is crucial for nurturing a new generation that will continue to advance the country’s agri-food and biotechnology sectors.

"The reason is that the agricultural world today is indeed shifting back to the younger generation, and we need to cultivate their interest from childhood.

"This way, when they finish their studies, they will have a goal to pursue a career in the agriculture industry, particularly in pineapples, and understand that this industry has the potential to generate substantial income," he said.

Elmie Adha explained that this is part of LPNM's larger effort to promote the 'world of pineapples' to the youth, in addition to providing grants to young agropreneurs below 40 to start or improve their pineapple farming projects.

"We also have a special programme that collaborates with schools and higher education institutions. The concept involves assisting schools with planting and providing support and incentives in terms of seeds and fertilisers so they can start their own pineapple cultivation projects," he added.

-- BERNAMA