Youth Urged To Explore Pineapple Innovation Potential

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has called on the younger generation to look beyond pineapples as a fruit for consumption and explore their potential as a source of innovation, research and high-value downstream products.

KPKM Deputy Secretary-General (Development) Datuk Luqman Ahmad said this approach could pave the way for high-value downstream products that benefit the public and the national economy.

"Do not look at pineapples merely as a fruit. View them as a source of knowledge, research, creativity and an opportunity to create something new.

"Ideas generated today may seem small, but with guidance, refinement and dedication, they have the potential to grow into innovations that benefit society and the country's pineapple industry," he said at the closing ceremony of the Pineapple Innovation Competition held in conjunction with the 2026 Pineapple Innovation Programme (PINOVAS) here today.

Luqman said pineapple-based innovations must be evaluated across five key criteria, namely product functionality and effectiveness; quality assurance and safety; feasibility and production costs; market acceptance; and sustainability through the utilisation of waste or by-products.

He said this evaluation is crucial to support the country's target of achieving RM2 billion in pineapple exports by 2027, following a production value of RM1.3 billion across 520,000 tonnes recorded in 2024.

The competition today, organised by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM), saw SMK Seksyen 18, Shah Alam, Selangor emerge as champions, taking home RM5,000 in cash, a trophy and certificates.

SMK Tumpat from Kelantan emerged runners-up to secure RM3,000, while SMK Perantau Damai from Pahang finished third, winning RM2,000.

-- BERNAMA