LPNM to give new life to Pineapple Museum following management take over

PONTIAN, Aug 30 -- The management take over of the Johor Pineapple Museum by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) in March this year will see an upgrade of its building and surroundings beginning next year.

LPNM chairman, Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal said the museum which was  officiated by former Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Othman  on May 21 2002, was considered a landmark in the Pontian district.

“It is only appropriate that it be turned into as resource centre for those who want to learn the early history of pineapples,” he said.

“We all know that the museum has been in existence since 2002, so when it was surrendered to us, definitely we want to make improvements to the building. The museum is closed now because we are under the National Recovery Plan. Nevertheless, we hope to renovate the building and have its artifacts upgraded

“As such, I hope with the management takeover, we would be provided with more information and input that can be channeled to the public,” he said, adding that  he expects the upgrading work to take one year to complete.

Dr Sahruddin was met by reporters after visiting the museum today. The visit follows the management take over of the museum from the Agriculture Department to LPNM. 

Also present was LPNM director-general Mohd Khairuzamri M. Salleh.

According to Mohd Khairuzamri upgrading work on the building is expected to take place in the second quarter of next year.  He said a lot of changes are expected to take place because the museum kept a lot historical items, artifacts and documents  about the pineapple industry in Johor especially in the district.

“To me, the museum is of great sentimental value. Touring the building brings back fond memories. I remember how difficult it was to gather the many artifacts.

“I believe many artifacts are still out there that we can bring home to fill the display area. God willing, the improvements will not be done only on the structure but also on the way the items are to be displayed.

“It will be done tastefully, accurately and interestingly using the latest technology,” he said.

The museum, he said, should be seen as completing the value chain in the pineapple industry as a product of agro-tourism. 

Mohd Khairuzamri said when the agro-tourism loop is realised, residents in the vicinity would also benefit from the economic outflow like the growth of home stays and the introduction of pineapple-based products.

Apart from the Pineapple Museum, Dr Sahruddin also spent almost two hours visiting the Peat Soil Pineapple Station that is also the  germplasm centre for over 60 varieties of pineapple, meeting participants of the Nanas Laser Cluster Project (KNAL)  and checking on the pineapple packaging, collection and export centre.

-- BERNAMA