SEPANG – Perlis’ iconic Harumanis mangoes will be sold in over 200 stores in Sabah thanks to AirAsia Farm, the e-commerce platform of AirAsia Group Bhd.
A batch of the fruit, well-known for its sweet flavour and aroma, was on its way to Kota Kinabalu aboard an AirAsia aircraft this morning. The plane departed about 10.45am from klia2 following a flag-off ceremony here.
Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee believes that the mango variety synonymous with the northern state will be widely accepted by Sabahans.
“I am not sure whether Harumanis mangoes have ever entered the Sabah market before. But this is the first time it is being promoted and sold in Sabah.
“I see big potential for Harumanis in Sabah, as well as the planting and cultivation of the fruit by local farmers in the future.
“This is due to similarities in the weather, soil and other factors in both Sabah and Perlis,” he told reporters during the flag-off.
The ceremony was part of the ministry’s Harumanis is Back campaign launched by Kiandee on April 11 in Beseri, Perlis.
The minister lauded AirAsia Farm – formerly known as MyFarm – saying it can serve as an important platform for local farmers and fishermen.
The e-commerce platform was launched in June last year.
Meanwhile, AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said AirAsia Farm’s business volume has hit RM3 million and benefited over 2,000 people nationwide, with over 10% of them in Sabah.
He stressed that the state remains critical to AirAsia’s business growth.
Fernandes said there are plans to expand the AirAsia Farm business to other countries.
However, this can be realised only after the Covid-19 pandemic is over, he said, adding that just two of more than 200 AirAsia planes are flying.
“Currently, we are moving eggs, anchovies, fruits, vegetables and meat.
‘But, we are looking into supplying Japan, China and (South) Korea in the future.”
Cold storage facilities will be built in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Sandakan to support the business, he said.
Other fruits to be exported to Sabah soon include jackfruit, papaya, pineapple, dragonfruit and banana. – The Vibes, April 30, 2021
