SHAH ALAM, July 24 (Bernama) — The Selangor state government is promoting the purchase and consumption of local fruit in a bid to reduce Malaysia’s reliance on imported fruit and vegetables, which cost an estimated RM7.5 billion each year.
State Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim said the measure would increase demand for local agricultural produce while boosting the incomes of farming households and agri-entrepreneurs.
“Programmes such as the Selangor Fruit Festival 2026 are an important annual platform for promoting high-quality local produce. We want people to choose it not only because it is fresh and nutritious, but also because it helps reduce reliance on imports.
“Malaysia imports RM7.5 billion worth of fruit and vegetables annually. If we begin by using local fruit instead of imported fruit in fruit baskets (gift baskets), it would significantly strengthen sales for our farmers and agri-entrepreneurs,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference after opening the Selangor Fruit Festival 2026 at Aneka Walk here today. Also present were Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof and Shah Alam Mayor Datuk Zabidah Safar.
The annual three-day event, which concludes on Sunday, is a collaboration between the Agriculture Committee, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) and Shah Alam City Council (MBSA).
“For the three-day festival, running from 10 am to 10pm, we are targeting approximately RM250,000 in sales generated through various activities and direct sales by participating entrepreneurs.
“We have prepared 40 tonnes of local fruit from 15 varieties, including durian, mangosteen, rambutan, pineapple and guava, for visitors,” he said.
Addressing concerns over hot weather and market disruptions, Izham said efforts were ongoing to monitor water resources, including rivers and dams, to minimise the impact of El Niño on agricultural activities.
Izham said Selangor had relied on water reserves from the Rawang Water Guarantee Scheme to ensure river water supplies for padi fields and agricultural activities, following a slight drop in river levels in recent months that could lead to increased ammonia levels.
“Water levels at Selangor’s seven main dams are in a very healthy condition, ranging between 85 per cent and 90 per cent, ensuring sufficient water supply for the agriculture sector,” he said.
— BERNAMA