FELDA’s MD2 Pineapples Break Into International Market

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- The Felda Settlers Development Programme (PPP) for MD2 pineapple cultivation has achieved a major milestone, with produce from its farms penetrating international markets, directly benefiting 3,730 settlers across nine Felda schemes.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the achievement proved Felda’s role not only as the country’s largest oil palm agency but also as an emerging leader in other agricultural sectors.

“Felda has demonstrated a strong commitment to uplifting rural communities through various high-impact projects like this, which are not solely focused on primary crops but also alternative ones that provide direct benefits to settlers and local communities,” he said.

He said this when officiating at the flag-off ceremony for the export of produce under Felda’s PPP at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here today.

His speech was read out by MATRADE senior board member Datuk Hazimah Zainuddin.

Also present were Felda chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Felda director-general Datuk Dr Suzana Idayu Wati Osman and Aqina Fruits executive director Wesley Tan Seah Ging.

The PPP, carried out in collaboration with Agrobank since 2021, involves the cultivation of MD2 pineapples on 222 hectares of land in Felda Besout 1, 2 and 3; Keratong 09; Mempaga 02; Kampung Sertik; Lakum; Bukit Damar; and Lembah Klau, with a total of 10 million pineapples already planted.

The harvested pineapples are sold at major supermarkets such as Village Grocer, Giant, Jaya Grocer, AEON Jusco and ST Rosyam. They are also exported to international markets including the Middle East, Japan and China.

In three years, trade value from the sale of MD2 pineapples and suckers reached RM4.9 million, with sales projected to hit RM18.5 million within the next five years.

Meanwhile, Tan said Aqina Fruits, as the operator of Felda’s PPP project, is honoured to share its expertise and experience in the MD2 pineapple cultivation project, involving nine Felda cooperatives in five PPP farms.

"Since MD2 pineapple cultivation began in 2021, the project has brought new life to Felda’s agricultural landscape, which was previously focused on rubber and oil palm. 

“A total of 500 hectares across five farms are being cultivated, with over 10 million pineapples planted,” he said.

According to Tan, the PPP implementation always prioritises the Felda community to ensure they are not left behind in the current wave of modernisation and economic transformation.

“This platform not only empowers settlers socioeconomically but also includes education, technical skills and entrepreneurship.

“As of July 2025, a total of 40 individuals, comprising children and grandchildren of settlers, have been hired as staff at Aqina Fruits and the participating PPP farms,” he said.

He said that to date, various programmes have been implemented, including skills training and modern agricultural technologies that introduce settlers to smart farming practices based on Internet of Things technology and automation.

Among them are the introduction of the "night farming" concept, as well as the use of high-tech machinery and equipment such as boom sprayers and drones.

-- BERNAMA