By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz
SINGAPORE, July 25 (Bernama) -- The four-day Malaysia Fest 2024 expo starting Thursday at the Singapore Expo, Changi, aims to clinch nearly RM20 million in sales and attract 140,000 visitors, said Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) Chairman Aminuddin Zulkipli.
He expressed confidence in achieving these targets based on the positive response at all six previous editions of Malaysia Fest.
“Over the years, we've seen increases in visitor numbers and sales figures. Participation from various states has been promising, and we hope to reach our targets this year,” he told reporters after the Malaysia Fest 2024 launch on Thursday.
In 2023, Malaysia Fest recorded RM17.8 million in sales with 135,000 visitors. Since its inaugural edition in 2016, the expo has generated RM52.63 million in sales involving 1,455 entrepreneurs.
Aminuddin noted that the event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) through FAMA in collaboration with MegaXpress International Pte. Ltd., will feature 300 booths showcasing diverse Malaysian products, including agriculture, agro-food, tourism, health, fashion, and beauty items.
FAMA will present 20 tonnes of fresh seasonal and exotic fruits, and 2,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs) such as agro-products, honey pickles, and assorted snacks.
Malaysia High Commissioner to Singapore Datuk Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar said the trade and consumer exhibition is an excellent platform for expanding local product markets, especially for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
He highlighted the strong demand for Malaysian products and the close Singapore and Malaysia relations, noting that trade in agricultural and agro-food products reached RM5 billion in 2023.
“The demand for Malaysian products is very strong and has great potential. Malaysia Fest is eagerly anticipated by Singaporeans,” he said during the expo launch.
The 2024 Malaysia Fest will also feature local artists and celebrity products. Celebrity Abby Abadi, whose real name is Arbaiyah Abdul Manan, will participate again after successful sales of her products in previous editions.
"Last year, everything was sold out. This year, I’m bringing products like rempeyek, chocolate cake, and malinja chips," she told Bernama.
Ipoh-based entrepreneur Mohd Helmy Mazly said this is his first time participating in the expo in Singapore, to market his company's food products.
“This is a great opportunity to introduce products and meet customers in Singapore while seeking market opportunities here,” he said.
Malaysia Fest 2024, themed "Explore the Gems of Malaysia," will be held from July 25 to 28 at Hall 5A and 5B, Singapore Expo, from 10 am to 10 pm.
-- BERNAMA
