MAHA 2026: New Melon Variety To Be Introduced Tomorrow - FAMA

By Muhammad Aiman Naufal Abdullah

SERDANG, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- The quality of the country's horticulture industry is set to achieve new progress with the introduction of a new variety of melon, which will be officially launched at the opening of the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026 tomorrow.

The melon, which has been designated as the 'symbolic fruit' or fruit of the event for this edition of the MAHA festival, is the result of meticulous research and development (R&D) by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) in collaboration with local entrepreneurs, taking three years to complete.

FAMA chairman Abang Ahmad Kerdee Abang Masagus said the launch of the melon variety, along with the announcement of its special name, will be officiated by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

"Without the presence of fruit as the main icon, this year's MAHA seems to lack the symbol of the event.

"So, the introduction of this new melon variety not only invigorates the country's melon farming industry but will also be officially launched by the minister, who will announce its official name tomorrow night," he told Bernama during a tasting session with the media here today.

Abang Ahmad Kerdee said that the unique variety features various distinctive characteristics specifically for the domestic market, including a sweetness concentration profile (Brix) reaching level 18 and a flesh texture that is crunchier compared to those currently available in the market.

He said that besides being small in size, around 1.3 kilogrammes with a netting pattern on its skin, this melon targets the trend of consumers who prefer ready-to-eat portions at a reasonable market price of around RM15 each.

Meanwhile, FAMA director-general Faisal Sulaiman said that the selection of the new mini-sized variety aligns with the current trends and demands of local consumers who prefer small household serving portions.

Research conducted over the past three years has enabled FAMA and entrepreneurs to accurately address market trends.

"This mini-sized variety is very practical, easy to carry, and maintains a high level of freshness and sweetness," he said.

In addition, Faisal said that throughout the organisation of this edition of MAHA, FAMA aims to supply more than 150,000 units of melons involving nearly 100 local and international varieties to be showcased and sold to the attending visitors.

This step is seen, they said, as capable of providing a positive impact on the value chain of the national agri-food sector, thereby empowering the economy of farmers and local entrepreneurs through focused and systematic marketing.

MAHA 2026, held at the Malaysia Agricultural Expo Park Serdang (MAEPS), starts today and runs until next Sunday (10 days), featuring various exciting segments including agrotech exhibitions, state pavilions, farm direct sales, and participation from hundreds of local and international entrepreneurs.

It has become the country's main biennial platform for promoting achievements, innovations, and modern technologies in the agri-food sector.

-- BERNAMA