LIGS SIGNS TWO MOUS TO BOOST MD2 PINEAPPLE CULTIVATION IN SABAH

KOTA KINABALU, April 16 (Bernama) -- The Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS) has signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in an effort to boost the development of MD2 pineapple growing in Sabah.

The first MoU is with Rompin Integrated Pineapple Industries Sdn Bhd to ensure that all MD2 pineapple produced have a stable market thus helping to build a sustainable pineapple industry ecosystem.

The second MoU was signed with Una Crop Sdn Bhd to ensure that LIGS has access to high quality MD2 pineapple seeds as well as the necessary technical expertise in addition to ensuring the MD2 pineapple planting programme is successful in terms of quantity and quality of produce.

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Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said LIGS was entrusted by the Ministry of Economy to implement the People's Income Initiative programme last year through planting MD2 pineapples in Kampung Gana, Kota Marudu over 80.9 hectares.

"This is an initial step in the effort to increase the income of rubber smallholders thus contributing to the national economy," said Jeffrey who is also Sabah's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry in conjunction with the MoU signing ceremony here today.

The text of Jeffrey's speech was read by his Assistant Minister Peto Galim, who also represented him at the MoU signing ceremony between LIGS and the two companies.

LIGS was represented by its general manager Sabdil Tanjong; while Rompin Integrated Pineapple Industries was represented by its chairman Datuk Shahrul Nizam Abdul Aziz who is also the chief executive officer of Kumpulan Tanah Makmur Bhd; while Una Crop is represented by its managing director Mohamad Hidhir Hamin.

Witnessing the MoU signing ceremony was the director of the Agriculture Division, Ministry of Economy, Zaeidah Mohamed Esa.

Jeffrey said the MoU signed between LIGS and Rompin Integrated Pineapple Industries was not just a collaboration between the two entities, but a symbol of collaboration between the Sabah and Pahang governments, and he was confident of more collaboration between the two states in future.

Jeffrey added that LIGS is determined to extend the success of the first phase of the MD2 pineapple planting programme by developing another 121.4 hectares for the cultivation of the same fruit to benefit more smallholders.

"LIGS is now in the framework of expanding the potential of the pineapple industry to explore the field of MD2 pineapple packaging and processing," he said, adding that the first phase MD2 pineapple crop is expected to be harvested at the end of October, which will be added value for participants to earn better income.

Meanwhile, Peto said in a press conference that a total of 450 participants were involved in the first phase of the MD2 pineapple planting project, and the number of participants is expected to increase when the second phase starts later.

For the first phase, about 5,000 tonnes of MD2 pineapples are expected to be harvested this October, involving an estimated value of RM20 million, he said.

-- BERNAMA