THE nation secured RM1.49 billion in investment and trade commitments through 14 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on the opening day of MAHA Trade Days 2026, underscoring growing confidence in the country's agrofood sector and its potential in international markets.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the agreements would help expand market access, attract investment and create new opportunities for Malaysian farmers, fishermen, livestock producers and food businesses.
“MAHA Trade Days 2026 is an important platform designed to connect Malaysia's agrofood industry with markets, investors and business partners from around the world,” he said.
The agreements cover key agrofood subsectors including agricultural inputs, crop production and processing, livestock, halal food products, pineapple, agricultural product development, technology and capacity building.
The largest agreement involves RM1.031 billion for the development of a pineapple processing plant in Tukau, Miri, Sarawak.
Other collaborations include agricultural product production and distribution, the expansion of high-technology broiler farms and the development of specialised fertilisers for pineapple cultivation.
MAHA Trade Days 2026, held from Sept 1 to 3 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), brings together nearly 2,000 exhibitors with export-ready products and 40 international buyers comprising wholesalers, distributors and retailers from various global markets.
The platform is aimed at helping local industry players explore new markets, expand their existing reach and establish business networks with international strategic partners.
Mohamad said the MAHA Go Global programme was focused not only on showcasing Malaysia's capabilities but also on creating opportunities for local products and businesses to enter new markets and compete globally.
The programme includes the International Country Pavilion, Go Global Grow Local and Business Matching initiatives designed to strengthen links between Malaysian businesses and international partners.
“Most importantly, we have the Hosted Buyer Programme involving 40 international invited buyers and 25 domestic invited buyers together with Malaysian businesses participating in the Go Global Grow Local programme.
“This creates a dedicated environment for business matching, business networking and potential commercial cooperation,” he said.
Mohamad said Malaysia had strong capabilities in crops, fisheries, livestock, horticulture and food-based industries, but the country needed to move beyond commodity exports and develop higher-value products.
“Our objective is to move beyond commodity exports and develop high-value, innovative, quality and sustainable agrofood products for international markets.
“This objective is aligned with the strategy under the National Agrofood Policy 2.0 (NAP 2.0), the 10-year strategic framework for the agrofood sector until 2030,” he said.
He said MAHA Go Global served as an important bridge between Malaysia's domestic agricultural ecosystem and international markets by bringing together Malaysian businesses, buyers, investors, institutions and government agencies to explore opportunities in trade, investment and cooperation.
The initiative also covers collaboration in technology, research and innovation, market access and supply chain development.
“The exchange of MoUs is an important achievement in strengthening strategic cooperation in the agrofood sector.
“More importantly, it reflects growing confidence in Malaysia's agrofood capabilities and a commitment to building meaningful partnerships that can expand market opportunities, strengthen value chains and create more opportunities for farmers, producers and industry players,” he said.
Mohamad said the agreements needed to translate into tangible outcomes through trade opportunities, investment, technology transfers and greater market access, contributing to the growth and competitiveness of Malaysia's agrofood sector.
The RM1.49 billion recorded on the first day forms part of MAHA 2026's overall RM8 billion target for investment and trade.
The target reflects the ministry's ambition to position MAHA as more than an exhibition, but as a strategic platform for generating trade opportunities, attracting investment and expanding international market access for Malaysia's agrofood industry.
Mohamad also urged Malaysian businesses to make full use of the platform to meet potential buyers, explore new markets and establish long-term partnerships.
“With quality products, the right knowledge and a readiness to meet international requirements, let us have the confidence to take Malaysian agrofood products to the world,” he said.
MAHA Trade Days 2026 is expected to generate further business matching opportunities, investment, technology partnerships and access to new markets, strengthening the competitiveness and global presence of Malaysian agrofood products. - September 2, 2026
