Penang state receives RM14.533 million in joint funding to strengthen agriculture and premium durian industry competitiveness.
NIBONG TEBAL: The Penang state government, together with the Federal Government, has allocated RM14.533 million this year to strengthen the state’s agriculture and agrofood sector, including enhancing the competitiveness of its premium durian industry, which is one of the main contributors to the state’s agricultural economy.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that of the total allocation, RM6.37 million is under the State Development Allocation, RM2.23 million in federal agricultural development funding, and an additional RM5.933 million through the National Agrofood Empowerment Programme (PPAN) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
“In 2025, the fruit subsector recorded production of 30,947 tonnes, with an estimated value of RM309.47 million, making it the largest contributor to the state’s crop production value.
“This achievement proves that the fruit sector continues to be among the key drivers of Penang’s agricultural economy,” he said at the launch of the state-level Durian Festival and Road to MAHA 2026 here today.
Also present were state Trade, Entrepreneurship and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol and Agriculture Department director-general Datuk Nor Sam Alwi.
Elaborating, Chow said Penang remains among Malaysia’s top producers of premium durians, with production rising from 17,910 tonnes to 18,870 tonnes in 2025.
He said the area of productive durian cultivation in the state is also expected increase to 2,220 hectares this year, driven by continuous efforts to strengthen the industry.
According to him the South West, Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT) and Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS) districts remain the main durian production areas, known for various high-quality premium clones that enjoy strong demand both locally and abroad.
Chow said the Durian Festival and Road to MAHA 2026 programmes are important initiatives to promote Penang’s durian industry and agrofood sector, in addition to being a platform to prepare for the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026.
He added that the festival is also important for strengthening Penang’s brand of durian, expanding markets for local agricultural products and increasing the income of farmers and entrepreneurs.
The three-day festival, which began on Friday (June 26) at the grounds of Masjid Al-Rasyidin here, features various activities, including Best Durian Variety and Best Kampung Durian 2026, exhibitions of durian-based product innovations, agricultural technology showcases and sales of local agro products.
Chow is confident that coordinated efforts between the government, agencies and industry players will continue to position Penang as a leader in the agrofood sector and a premier durian producer in the country.
