TEAK PLANTATION IN MALAYSIA

TEAK PLANTATIONS in Malaysia in which most of the teak plantations (2,852 ha) can be found in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia, especially in Kedah and Perlis. Perlis and being the northern-most state of Peninsular Malaysia located bordering Thailand. This plantation has a similar climate to southern Thailand with a distinct dry period of three months from December to February. Teak plantation (Tectona grandis)  were first introduced in the early 1900s for high-quality timber production. Although not native the report stated it is cultivated for furniture and construction due to its durability and with significant areas also established in Sabah (approx. 6,930 ha by 2006) that have been planted by private owners and the villages. Most of the teak seeds for these plantations were obtained from the teak seed production area located in the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) field station in state of Perlis and from the Forestry Department, Kedah. Teak research in Malaysia was started in the early 1950s by FRIM. This was the result of extensive teak planting in the state of Perlis and Kedah. The main areas of research at the time were nursery techniques, silviculture and management. In the 1980s, a teak improvement programme was started with the establishment of seed stands, plus tree selection (120 plus trees), source bush and clonal seed orchards (1 ha). With regard to silviculture management, techniques have been established and used in planting guidelines, such as: a spacing of 5 m × 4 m; the first commercial thinning at the eighth year; and the final harvesting at the fifteenth year with dbh of 30 cm. On wood product research, the timber has been tested and samples of teak furniture were produced. Malaysia is located north of the equator within latitudes of 1-7° North and longitudes of 100-119° East. The total land area is approximately 32.9 million ha, which includes 13.1 million ha in Peninsular Malaysia, 7.4 million ha in Sabah, and 12.4 million ha in Sarawak. Peninsular Malaysia is 720 km from Sabah and Sarawak, separated by the South China Sea. The country has a coastline of almost 4,830 km. The total forested area in Malaysia is estimated to be 19.05 million ha (including 0.17 million ha of plantation forests), of which 5.89 million ha is in Peninsular Malaysia, 4.50 million ha in Sabah, and 8.66 million ha in Sarawak. Teak is an exotic species to Malaysia and was first introduced from Burma to Peninsular Malaysia in 1915 in Pulau Langkawi, Kedah. Subsequently, teak seeds from India, Thailand and Laos were introduced. In recent years, in addition to the government’s teak plantations, a number of semi-government agencies, private companies and small holders are expressing a very keen interest to plant teak. For me an encouraging feature in teak planting in Malaysia is the involvement of the private sector and small holders. FRIM is promoting a “Teak Planting Adoption Scheme”, under which FRIM will provide planting materials at a nominal cost and free technical advice to farmers who have less then 4 ha of land. The most remarkable concept of planting teak under this scheme is to reduce the rotation period of teak plantations to 15 years with commercial thinning at the eighth year. It is expected that another 5,000 ha of teak plantations will be established in the next five years during 1996-2000. Malaysia hopes that there will be an active exchange of teak research materials and technologies of teak planting and management that could benefit the participating countries. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I share an information about the teak industry in Malaysia.

Reported that '200,000 teak trees dot NSE thanks to 1997 initiative' when PLUS Malaysia Bhd's green initiative of planting almost half a million teak trees along the North-South Expressway (NSE) back in 1997 appears to be bearing fruit. And now, 22 years later, some 200,000 teak trees dot the length of the highway. Between 1997 and 1999, the highway concessionaire planted hundreds of thousands of trees along NSE, especially in the southern part of the peninsula. The company said, was part of its special three-year CSR Greening Project in which teak trees were chosen because of their environmental benefits of producing and releasing more oxygen into the environment (See photo above). Each teak tree, the spokesman said, cost about RM200 to plant but in the interest of public safety, about 10 per cent of the teak trees had since been removed from the highway alignment, which also cost the company. Felling and cutting a teak tree activity costs about RM2,000. The cost excludes transportation and traffic management plan costs. Parts of the felled trees were sold off adding that generally, only teak trees with a diameter of 300mm and above had commercial value. Reported that a metric tonne of teak trees can reach up to RM350 where one metric tonne is about seven teak trees. PLUS said it had no plans to replant them as there were enough teak trees greening its highways. The concessionaire, however, had moved ahead to empower its eco-friendly initiatives. PLUS have a five-year Green Road Map that encompasses the implementation of solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels and solar-powered charging stations at selected rest areas, to name a few.  PLUS Malaysia Bhd’s green initiative of planting almost half a million teak trees along the North-South Expressway (NSE) back in 1997 appears to be bearing fruit. Reported that in December last year, the PLUS Green Road Map led to the launch of the country's first solar-powered electric vehicle charging station at the Ayer Keroh overhead bridge restaurant (southbound). The road map also involved the transformation of the Machap (northbound) rest and recreation area into the first R&R in Malaysia to use photovoltaic solar system in April this year. PLUS managing director said over the next five years, the company aimed to introduce solar PV panels in other rest areas, such as the Sungai Buloh overhead bridge restaurant, Ayer Keroh overhead bridge restaurant, Dengkil R&R (north and southbound), Gurun R&R (north and southbound), Gunung Semanggol R&R (southbound), Tapah R&R (north and southbound) and Ayer Keroh R&R (northbound). The PLUS headquarters, Persada PLUS, last month bagged the One Diamond award from the Malaysia Sustainable Energy Development Authority's 2018 Low Carbon Buildings Assessment. PLUS is the first highway concessionaire in the country to receive the award. They described it as another milestone for PLUS in its efforts to optimise the use of green technology in preserving the environment for the firm's staff and the surrounding communities.

The report 'Perlis teak initiative blossoms' in which teak trees lining the sides of the trunk roads in Perlis are a source of pride for residents of the state and have also become a tourist attraction. In Perlis any traveller making his way to Perlis on the old trunk roads will find himself entering the amazing world of Malaysia's unique and diverse flora. As one exits the small enclave of Kodiang, Kedah and makes one's way up to Perlis, a hidden tropical gem like no other that entices the senses and leaves you breathless in wondrous delight can be seen. There are lines and lines of trees, towering majestically in full glory, on the right and left of the trunk roads. From afar it looks like a long archway into a magical Elven palace straight from pages of J.R.R. Tolkien's popular books, tucked deep in the enchanted woods and hidden from mortal sight and such glorious beauty brings to mind the words of poet Joyce Kilmer 'A tree looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray' as a poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree'. Many travellers who appreciate nature would stop their cars by the side of the road to admire the verdant view. The trees lining the roads in Perlis are one of the most sought- after species called "jati" or teak. Teak, the tall deciduous tree (Tectona grandis) from the family of Verbenaceae (verbana family), is native to India and Malaysia and is now widely cultivated in many tropical areas.  Teakwood is durable and can be worked on easily, relatively speaking. It is said that good teakwood pieces that are over 1,000 years old are sought after for their high value. Products made of teakwood are regarded as superior, to many other wood products.

Teakwood is usually made into furniture, flooring, and for general construction work and sold as premium price (See photo above) compared to many other types of wood in which teakwood is also highly prized. But what is the reason behind its popularity and high value?. According to Perlis Forestry Department Director AG Shafie AG Ahmadni said the answer lies in the natural oils and rubber found within the teak. There is an abundance of natural oils and rubber locked in the tight grain of the wood where all woods contained oils that protect the tree. Teak, however, can retain these oils and its rubber even after being felled and processed. Because of this, teak has greater natural weather-resistant properties than any other type of wood. The oils and rubber protect the heart of the wood from invaders like fungi and parasites. This is why teak is highly sought-after where teak was first planted in Perlis in 1953 at Mata Ayer forest reserve. Regarded as the pride of Perlis, teak was planted in huge numbers at tree farms across the state before being introduced to more open areas. In the 1990s, the state decided to plant teaks along many of its roads. There are several factors why teak was chosen for this project. The number one reason was to provide shade for drivers. As the northern region can be a hot zone, teak trees provide wonderful natural shade. By mass planting teaks on the roads and in our towns, we can also bring down the temperatures and cool down the surrounding areas. The state's wide open fields also made it prone to crosswinds that could be dangerous to motorists. By planting teak trees along the road, he said the impact of such weather phenomenon could be minimised. The teak trees lining the road also acts as a green wall from crosswinds, providing safety to vehicles on our roads. The teak trees lining the roads also acted as a green belt connecting different enclaves in the state. These teaks absorb all the harmful carbons from the lorries and heavy vehicles using our roads and release oxygen into the air and this goes a long way to keeping the people of Perlis healthy and the teak trees had also become a tourist attraction. The trees are a unique feature to the state and attract nature lovers and visitors who appreciate the greenery. They have contributed positively to tourism in the state and reported that teak trees that have reached a certain maturity also generate income and fuel the state's economy. The mature teak trees were monitored regularly to ensure they did not endanger motorists, especially in severe weather conditions. Old trees can easily uproot and fall on the road in heavy storms and strong weather conditions. This is one of the problems of maintaining teak trees along the road. The department monitors the development of the trees and records when they were planted. Once a tree reaches a certain age, the department will give out tenders to have the trees cut. The cutting and selling of mature teak trees, the department prevented incidents resulting from fallen trees and generated income for the state. One teak tree that we plant costs about RM30 and the cost of cutting and selling a mature tree by tender is roughly about RM125. Perlis previously earned RM400,000 after taxes from the cutting, processing and selling of 3,200 teak trees. Thanks...

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Melaka,

Malaysia.

(Febuary 2026).

PINEAPPLE REACH BILLION IN MALAYSIA

MALAYSIA 'S PINEAPPLE (Ananas comosus) industry has become a billion-ringgit sector with farmers earning up to RM9,000 (S$2,710) a month a marking a significant milestone in the country’s agri-food success story. Reported that the nation recorded RM1.3 billion in pineapple output value in 2024 thats up 34 per cent from the previous year. The country’s pineapple production volume rose 17 per cent to 520,000 metric tonnes in which it was cultivated across 13,000 ha of productive farmland. This shows that pineapples are not just a fruit we enjoy, but a true engine of rural economic development. Malaysia now has more than 8,000 pineapple growers and over 300 companies involved in the sector, ranging from small- to large-scale operations. Self-sufficiency level for pineapples has reached 103 per cent, allowing Malaysia to meet its domestic demand and expand its export potential and in the case of a Johor farmer who doubled his income from RM180,000 to RM350,000 annually by using drone technology in his operations. Some of the key highlights regarding the RM billion pineapple sector in Malaysia where a Billion-Ringgit Milestone (2024- 2025) in which the industry officially surpassed the billion-ringgit mark in output value, reaching RM1.3 billion in 2024, a 34% increase from the previous year. Re[orted that Johor Leads Production asa the top producer, contributing over 56% of the national output. Johor's pineapple exports have exceeded RM1 billion annually. Export Targets in which the government has set a target to increase total pineapple exports to RM2 billion by 2027. For the new Investment and development where Sarawak is developing a RM1 billion foreign-backed export hub in Tanjung Manis to strengthen the industry value chain. A RM10 million modern canning facility is being built in Sarawak and with the new hybrid pineapple such as SG1 and MS16 is expected to enter the market in 2025. The government allocated RM23 million in 2025 to support industry expansion, including R&D and seedling production. The national planted area has increased, with over 5,400 growers participating as of late 2025. The industry has reached a 103% self-sufficiency level. The industry is viewed as a 'new source of wealth' where it transforming from a small-scale crop into a high-value export sector, with farmers in some regions, such as Johor and it significantly increasing their income through modern technology. Johor exported pineapples worth RM1 billion this year alone, exceeding last year's figure of RM600 million. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" article report about how the pineapple industry able to reach billion Ringgit in MAlaysia as a success story.

Reported thar Germany has requested if it was possible to supply about a thousand containers a week, but even if we were to collect the country's entire pineapple output, it still wouldn't be enough to cope with the huge German demand for pineapple. This shows that Germany is willing to buy as much pineapple from us for the European market. For this reason, we hope it (pineapple production and exportation) will be successful because it will open up a wider market in Europe, and it will also lead to new business opportunities for farmers, enabling them to specialise in the MD2 pineapple market in Europe. Pineapples have previously been exported to China, Japan, Qatar, Turkey, and South Korea during a press conference after officially sending off the first MD2 pineapple export to Germany at the Kulim Pineapple Farm in Ulu Tiram today. The programme was organised by the Pineapple Industries Board, which saw Kulim (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd becoming the biggest pineapple distributor to Germany before it is redistributed to a few other European countries. In Malaysia, pineapple is the first crop grown as a commodity or industrial crop with high export potential. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Malaysia was the number three exporter in the world for canned pineapple. However, its ability to remain competitive suffered tremendous setback. While other industrial crops, particularly rubber and oil palm gained accelerated momentum in their development, pineapple did not follow the pattern. During the last three decades (1973-2003), the Malaysian pineapple industry had deteriorated.
The total planted areas for pineapples have decreased by 52% from 13,267 ha in 1973 to 6,434 in 2003. The decline was most significant in the smallholder sector which experienced a decrease from 8,498 ha in 1973 to 1,366 ha in 2002. In the estate sector, the planted areas have increased by 211 ha, but have remained static at 5,000 ha from 1990 to 2004. The export value of canned pineapples decreased from RM 52.0 million in 1997 to RM 32.0 million in 2008. Despite the fact that Malaysia’s pineapple industry declined, the industry including the trading of neighboring countries, particularly Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia and globally in general, continue to develop and expand. This, consequently, suggests that the pineapple industry in Malaysia has good potential to escalate.
This paper addresses the strategies of reviving the pineapple industry and trading in Malaysia.

The local media stated that 'Malaysia's pineapple industry reaches billion-ringgit milestone' in which Malaysia's pineapple industry has become a billion-ringgit sector, with farmers earning up to RM9,000 a month, marking a significant milestone in the country's agri-food success story. It was announced bya Agriculture and Food Security Minister that the nation recorded RM1.3bil in pineapple output value in 2024, reflecting a 34% increase from the previous year. The country’s pineapple production volume rose 17% to 520,000 metric tonnes, cultivated across 13,000ha of productive farmland.  This shows that pineapples are not just a fruit we enjoy, but a true engine of rural economic development," he said in his speech at the inaugural Malaysian Pineapple Day at Johor Bahru. Malaysia now has more than 8,000 pineapple growers and over 300 companies involved in the sector, ranging from small to large-scale operations. The self-sufficiency level for pineapples has reached 103%, allowing Malaysia to meet its domestic demand and expand its export potential. Minister highlighted the case of a Johor farmer who doubled his income from RM180,000 to RM350,000 annually by integrating drone technology into his operations. In Pahang, the Hijrah Asnaf Pineapple Farming programme has helped 18 participants, mainly from underprivileged groups, earn monthly incomes of up to RM5,000 after just a few months of cultivation. The Federal Government has allocated RM75 million for pineapple development in Sarawak under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12). Farmers in Ulu Moyan three are already producing 50 tonnes of pineapples monthly and have set up their own processing facilities. The Sarawak’s innovation in using pineapple waste as livestock feed and the launch of the new Sarawak Gold (SG1) variety as an alternative to the MD2 premium hybrid. This shows a strong commitment from the Sarawak government to turn pineapple into a strategic commodity while supporting green economy principles. In Kedah, artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite imaging are being used to monitor crops, boosting yield by 30% while reducing operational costs by 40%. These advances in technologies are helping prepare Malaysia to meet growing demand from foreign markets like China and Singapore. Under the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan, the ministry aims to expand cultivated land to 30,000 hectares, increase production to 1 million metric tonnes, and double pineapple exports from 2,300 to 4,000 containers annually. It was reported that Johor remains the top pineapple-producing state in the country, contributing 68% of total cultivated land, thanks to strong collaboration with the state government. Also stated that more states, private firms, and individuals to participate in the pineapple sector, highlighting that the crop is now both a national asset and a symbol of the better rural transformation in pineapple industry. Thanks...

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist Expert,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(February 2026).

THE BAMBOO INDUSTRY SECTOR IN MALAYSIA

THE BAMBOO INDUSTRY in Malaysia is being developed as a high-value sector under the National Bamboo Industry Development Action Plan 2021-2030 are aiming to boost exports of products like furniture, engineered boards, and handicrafts. Exports grew to RM20.1 million in 2023 and yet the industry faces challenges in scaling up, including land shortages for cultivation and high reliance on imports for materials. The key aspects of the Malaysian Bamboo Industry include the Growth Potential and Policy in which the current government is pushing for the expansion of the industry to tap into the global bamboo market, which was valued at US$70.6 billion in 2023. The National Bamboo Industry Development Action Plan 2021-2030 aims to elevate the industry from traditional uses to high-value and it engineered products. For the production and export stretegy in which while exports increased by 39% to RM20.1 million in 2023 from RM14.5 million in 2022, this is still considered low compared to major exporters like China. The cultivation and land use: are the focus on converting abandoned rubber plantation land (roughly 420,000 hectares) for bamboo cultivation. Strategy for the industry applications are beyond traditional handicrafts in which bamboo is being developed for industrial use, including engineered laminated boards, flooring, furniture, and as a 'green steel' alternative in construction. There are many challenges for the sector faces including land availability, with some landowners reluctant to switch to bamboo, and the need for greater investment in processing technology. In recent approach the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities is actively encouraging the conversion of underutilized land for bamboo, highlighting its potential to turn into a significant income generator for the national economy. Experts noted that while bamboo is sustainable, more research is needed regarding its application as a safety barrier in infrastructure to ensure durability and strength. Reported that the National Bamboo Industry Development Action Plan 2021-2030 was launched to boost exports and promote the 'green material' in which The Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) is playing a central role in providing support, including soft loans for cultivating bamboo and encouraging industry investment. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" I write about the bamboo industry sector in Malaysia.

Malaysia exported RM9.9 million worth of bamboo products last year. Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok said the economic contribution of the Malaysian bamboo industry was still low compared with the US$68.8 billion (RM288.2 billion) global bamboo market. Bamboo is synonymous with the Malaysian community, with its handicraft products and for other daily uses. Various innovations and novelty products made from bamboo such as furniture, lamination boards, floors and fabrics have been widely used. Bamboo is also being used as a component in the construction industry known as green steel. The ministry with the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) will continue to ensure various programmes and initiatives related to the development of the bamboo industry will be implemented. This initiative is important as the bamboo industry can be developed as one of the commodity-agri to generate income as well as benefit the community. Products featured include bamboo strips, bamboo slips, planks, furniture, bicycles, guitars, flooring, accessories and bags. Bamboo industry cluster development would be implemented with the setting up of a bamboo nursery on a 1.7ha plot in Taman Industri Perabot Lahat in Ulu Kinta, Perak in which the development of a tissue culture lab for bamboo seedlings and research on the production of quality bamboo seedlings with an estimated production of 100,000 bamboo seeds per month is also being planned and will be implemented by 2020 with an allocation of RM7 million as reported.

Local media reported 'Land shortage hinders bamboo industry growth' is the the main obstacle in developing Malaysia's bamboo industry is land availability, said Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani as he stated the size of available land created about the difficulties in establishing a sustainable commercial bamboo sector for the country. Today at least 2,000 hectares was needed to meet market demand or implement the concept of commercial bamboo cultivation. Obtaining land for bamboo planting is challenging due to limited availability from state governments throughout nations. In comparison, palm oil has 5.7 million hectares and rubber has 1.1 million hectares, while bamboo has only 4,000 hectares. This disparity hinders both upstream and downstream industrial development. He said Malaysia's bamboo industry generated only RM13.7 billion in exports over the past decade, with RM20.7 million generated last year. Malaysia imported bamboo last year for downstream industries, including 528 handicraft companies, seven furniture companies, three textile companies and 17 construction companies, as our local supply still falls short. Many state governments were not prepared to allocate land for bamboo cultivation and despite the incentives, many prefer to allocate land for palm oil cultivation due to its established ecosystem, comprehensive value chain and large export value that exceeds RM100 billion. Also reported that the Sarawak government has recently allocated 3,339 hectares for bamboo cultivation. This process has begun, but we have also faced challenges. Exploring forests raises deforestation concerns, potentially reducing forest cover to below 50 per cent. The rubber and palm oil landowners as comparison were reluctant to allocate land for bamboo cultivation. The Ministry's has to proposed some commitment to persuading landowners of the future benefits of bamboo cultivation. According to the Bamboo Global Market Report 2024, the global bamboo industry was valued at US$70.6 billion last year and was expected to grow to nearly US$100 billion by 2028. This increase in demand is driven by factors such as diverse bamboo product and more applications, including its potential as a sustainable resource. 

Other report stated that Maysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) is providing soft loans to those interested in cultivating bamboo. Its director-general Mohd Kheiruddin Mohd Sani said the Primary Industries Ministry had instructed MTIB to find a new sources of raw material for the timber industry, and as such it would now focus on bamboo. The ministry will focus on the bamboo industry where MTIB will provide soft loans for those interested. MTIB is searching for interested investors to come to the country and is also discussing with state governments to provide land for bamboo cultivation. He said this after the launch of the Pahang Wood and Lifestyle Fair at Kuantan Parade here today. Also present was MTIB's Bumiputera Empowerment director Kamaruzaman and hes mention there has been positive response from investors. MTB stff will be going to Japan in January 2020 as the tasks would be to carry out a dialogue on bamboo cultivation and to attract investors from Japan and plan to bring along from the state representatives from Pahang and Perak to participate in the bamboo dialogue. The visit and see what Bumiputera entreprenuers have in store in which the fair which will be open every year. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist Expert,

Melaka,

Malaysia.

(Febuary 2026)

ISSUE OF MUSANG KING IN MALAYSIA

MUSANG KING (Durio zibethinus) is the most premium durian variety in Malaysia but recently bya end 2025 and early 2026 the price of durians has fallen by as much as RM10 per kologram over the past two weeks ia a rare a phenomenon described by traders as highly unusual for this season of the 'King of fruits' has reported. A claim by Romi Hidayat who has been in the durian business for almost a decade, said the current season is unlike any he has seen before. He also mentioned that traditionally, demand for durians slows at the end of the year due to the holiday season and school expenses, but this year, prices have dropped sharply due to a glut of fruit, encouraging consumers to spend again. Previously the grade A Musang King, which is usually sold at RM65 to RM75 per kg can now be found for around RM25 to RM35 per kg. The drop has also affected other grades, such as Grade B and C Musang King, which are selling at RM15 to RM25 per kg compared with RM45 to RM55 previously, making durians more affordable. Some small Musang King fruits are even selling for as little as RM5 each in which is extremely rare. Added for Duri Hitam variety normally priced at RM65 to RM85 per kg, are now selling for RM20 to RM35, whereas in the off-season, prices can reach RM125 per kg, making this price drop particularly drastic. He attributed the fall in prices to supply and demand factors, as durians from multiple states ripened simultaneously while consumers were spending less. He said to avoid a further glut, farmers had to lower prices to clear their stock. As a trader, he happy to sell durians at affordable prices so more people can enjoy them, even though they were previously considered expensive. At the same time, I sympathise with farmers because the cost of cultivating quality durians is high and based on experience, the situation is likely temporary, and prices may return to normal in the next season. He hope durian prices can remain at a reasonable level where everyone benefits, farmers earn a profit, traders continue to do business, and customers are satisfied. Meanwhile, a trader who wished to be known as Amran said he had decided not to sell durians this season due to the very low prices and if he were to sell, the risk is high because the supply is too large and prices have fallen. He later decided to take a break temporarily. I may resume selling next season depending on the conditions. Report from the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (Fama) in a statement said that durian production is currently high because most states in Malaysia are in the harvesting period. The hot weather between May and July contributed to higher yields towards the end of 2025. However, not all durians can be widely marketed as export markets only accept fruit meeting premium grade standards. It said that end-of-year demand is usually lower compared with mid-year because consumer spending is prioritised for other needs such as school preparations, Ramadan, and Hari Raya celebrations in the following year. Durian consumption tends to decline because it is considered a delicacy rather than a daily necessity. This blog "Anim Agriculture Technology" discussed about issue on Musang King durian proce in Malaysia recently.

Selecting the best Musang King (D197) in Malaysia requires evaluating physical authenticity, ripeness, and the specific region of cultivation. In 2026, it remains the gold standard of Malaysian durians, recognized for its complex bittersweet profile. Criteria for Physical Authenticity Markers whereby to ensure you are buying a genuine Musang King rather than a substitute, look for these distinctive traits and the bottom Star: A prominent, bald, five-pointed star-shaped pattern at the base of the fruit. The spike Shape or the the thorns are large, pyramid-shaped, and relatively blunt compared to other varieties. For stem characteristics actually look for a long stem with a smooth, bald ring where it meets the thorns. The husk color are typically a dusky or light grayish green. About the criteria of Flesh and Flavor Quality where the sensory experience is the ultimate test of a high-quality Musang King:Color are the flesh must be a vibrant, deep golden yellow (resembling butter or turmeric). For the texture it should be extremely thick, creamy, and smooth, with a distinct 'shrink-wrapped' appearance over the seeds. The taste profile stated that a complex balance of intense sweetness followed by a lingering bitter finish. For the seed size with high-quality specimens typically have 'shrunken' or flat seeds, meaning there is more flesh to consume. Criteria for Determining Ripeness where the Shake Test and when shaken, you should feel a slight movement or hear a dull 'thump,' indicating the flesh has loosened from the shell and is ripe. For the Aroma: It should have a fresh, sweet, and rich scent. If the smell is faint, it is likely unripe; if it smells sour or overly alcoholic, it may be overripe. About the Weight if comparing two fruits of similar size, the lighter one is generally better as it indicates less water content and more mature flesh. The best criteria are the Origin Matters while Musang King is grown across Malaysia, certain regions are renowned for producing superior quality at Raub and Bentong, Pahang. This durian widely considered the premier source due to the hilly terrain and ideal soil conditions in which produce more intense flavor profiles.
Gua Musang, Kelantan reported the early original home of the variety, still known for traditional, high-quality yields. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist Expert,

Melaka,
Malaysia.

(January 2026).

DURIAN PRICE DROP IN MALAYSIA 2026

MOST PREMIUM DURIAN in Malaysia including Musang King durians have seen a dramatic price drop to as low as RM10 per kg as a nationwide oversupply strips the variety of its premium status. The glut has forced several growers to bypass middlemen and sell directly to consumers at orchard fronts to sustain their businesses. In Segamat, Johor, Che Tat Durian Segamat owner Muhamad Noriman Haikal Mohd Nazri, 25, said prices inevitably plummeted when supply exceeded demand. He said orchards planted with Musang King in previous years were now producing fruit simultaneously.  Musang King Grade A, which previously fetched between RM60 and RM75 per kg, has fallen to between RM45 and RM50 and for lower grades, some are being sold as cheaply as RM10 per kg depending on quality and size. However the stressed that the price drop did not reflect a decrease in production costs. A single Musang King tree costs about RM600 a year, covering fertiliser, pesticides, water, labour, and maintenance. He said that Musang King may lose its exclusive local status as consumers shift to varieties such as Duri Hitam, Duri Jering Sembilan, or Tupai King. In Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, 38-year-old orchard owner Mun Jing Chew has turned to roadside sales instead of selling only to wholesalers. 
He is running a promotion at RM10 per kg for small-sized Musang King. He said that while daily sales reach about RM15,000, this was only enough to cover annual management costs estimated at between RM200,000 and RM300,000. In Jerantut and Bentong, Grade C Musang King was found selling for as low as RM11 per kg, while Grade B was priced at RM18. Damak orchard owner Lim Kim Chooi, 62, said the oversupply, combined with tiger stripe disease, had triggered the price collapse. Lim, who owns 0.8 hectares of Musang King, said fertilisation, insect control and disease management remained expensive and with farm workers' wages and other costs, the price cannot fall below RM20 per kg, or we will suffer losses. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I share the issue about thrs drop of durian price in Malaysia since end 2025 until early 2026.

Local media reported that 'Durian glut proves thorny for sellers' where along a two-lane road leading to Ipoh which is famous for its fruit stalls, 62-year-old Ismail Ibrahim and other long-time durian sellers are struggling with an oversupply of the "King of Fruits" that has sent prices crashing. For Ismail, many rural families in Malaysia depend on seasonal sales of the spiky fruit as their key source of income as many are unemployed, retired or rely on irregular odd jobs. But the recent abundant harvest has turned out to be a bane on prices, signalling a bleak start to 2026. He have been selling from 11am. Compared with two to three years ago, the prices now are the worst. There is an oversupply of the fruit, so the natural impact is that prices spiral downwards in which durian prices were higher, about RM20 to RM25 a kg last year. Then it came down to RM8, and now to as low as RM5. It truly hurts me to see prices plunge. But this is business. Ismail was speaking from his stall here, where roadsides are lined with fruit trees , rambutan, mangosteen, coconut and durian. Traditional Malay wooden houses topped with bright red zinc roofs complete the rustic scenery. Ismail's stall is a flimsy wooden shed with some long tables and a few chairs that allow customers to relish the thorny, pungent king of the fruits. Reported that Malaysians love it and will travel many kilometres to get good quality fruit, including the local durians popularly called 'durian kampung'. The fruit is usually smaller with thick sweet flesh. But the real attraction of durian kampung is that farmers do not use pesticides or chemicals to enhance its size or quality and profits are being squeezed due to the glut, so it is a buyers' market. Two customers filled up almost three containers with 25kg of durians for only RM108. If he can get back our capital for today, it is good enough. Tomorrow is another day and his profit, if he are lucky, is about RM400. But I have to share it with my partner. A small profit is still good enough. Just then a man and his son from Shah Alam walked into the stall. He was getting dark and Ismail was determined to sell all his durians, as they are perishable items and they need to be sold on the same day because if the fruits crack open, they become spoilt. The father-and-son pair managed to reduce the price from RM8 to RM5 a kg, more than 37 per cent cheaper. Just across the road under a large umbrella, 70-year-old Musa Ismail, a former railway company worker, sat on a chair hoping for the last six fruits to be sold before nightfall to avoid losses. For the past five years, he has been selling durians to supplement his monthly pension. The average price last year was RM12 a kg. For about RM200 now they can get 30 to 50 fruits. Every morning, he go deep into neighboring villages on my bike to look for good fruits.
 

Another report from local media stated that 'Sabah durian prices stable despite drop in peninsula' where in Sabah’s premium durian prices have remained stable despite reports of a price drop in Peninsular Malaysia, said State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi. Sabah's premium durian prices have remained stable despite reports of a price drop in Peninsular Malaysia while there had been widespread reporting on falling prices of premium durians such as Musang King and Black Thorn in the peninsula due to oversupply, the situation in Sabah was different. There have been reports in the media that premium durian prices have declined in the peninsula. In Sabah, prices are still holding steady at around RM45 per kilogram at the farm gate for Grade A, while Grade B and C are fetching about RM35 per kilogram/ He said the price drop in the peninsula was mainly due to an oversupply of low-grade durians. The Sabah's premium durian industry continued to benefit from export demand, particularly for high-grade fruit where he would like to encourage farmers, especially those interested in cultivating premium durians such as Musang King, to remain confident. The export market for Grade A and B durians remains strong. The grade C durians and those below are still within a price range that allows farmers to make a profit and the ministry aimed to alleviate poverty in Sabah by encouraging the cultivation of premium durian varieties. A mature durian tree could produce approximately 50 fruits, averaging two kilograms each. At current market rates, this can generate an income of over RM4,000 per tree. The export potential, particularly to China, demanded yield from at least 4,046 hectares of plantation and the current statistics showed that Sabah had only 2,023 hectares of plantation, with only 324 hectares currently matured and producing fruit. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Melaka,

Malaysia.

(January 2026).

MALAYSIAN RUBBER INDUSTRY - REVIVAL

MALAYSIA TODAY ranking seventh globally in natural rubber production in 2020 and recorded a total production of 469.7 thousand tonnes in 2021 a decrease of 8.7% from the previous year. Before reported the planted area for natural rubber in Malaysia reached around 1.14 million hectare about the same area as the previous year in 2023. The nation's Natural Rubber production has faced a declining trend with an average annual growth rate of -6.9% from 2015 to 2021 as reported. However recently the Plantation and Commodities Minister has underscored the urgent need to revive Malaysia's natural rubber industry. His visit comes at a critical juncture as our Malaysia known as once the world's leading exporter of natural rubber but now finds itself among the largest importers of the commodity. The focused on rediscovering abandoned rubber plantations, increasing production, enhancing the downstream industry, and positioning Malaysia as a leading exporter once again. Malaysia still imports one (1) million tonnes of natural rubber worth RM6 billion annually for downstream industries. Presently reported that the country only produces around 380,000 metric tonnes of rubber. There are still 420,000 hectares of abandoned rubber plantations. If these can be worked on he urged it will reduce Malaysian dependency on imports. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I share an information about the revival of rubber industry in Malaysia.

In other statement the minister told reporter that 'Malaysia must be a leading rubber producer again' as he said Malaysia must become one of the world’s leading producers of sustainable natural rubber again. He stated that Malaysia were once the world's largest rubber producer, generating 1 million tonnes of rubber after launching the Malaysian Sustainable Natural Rubber (MSNR) guidelines. Today however the production has now dropped to just 380,000 tonnes and asa aresult the country has to import rubber, amounting to RM6 billion to meet domestic demand. Reported that over the years the other countries including Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam have overtaken Malaysia as rubber producers. For the record that Malaysia's rubber exports to global markets last year totaled over RM37 billion, with RM3.2 billion destined for the European market. He tolg media that Malaysia could emerge as a leading rubber producer again if it optimised 1.1 million hectares of rubber plantations nationwide as there were idle plantations. The Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) urged to engage rubber smallholders and plantation owners who have abandoned their estates to resume tapping operations. When we ask them (to resume operations), they cite reasons such as being too old to tap, high maintenance costs, and low rubber prices. He said the ministry, along with MRB and the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda), will explore ways to reactivate the idle plantations with the consent of the landowners. If they agree to cooperate with us, we will hire workers to tap the rubber trees on their land to boost production, and they will receive a portion of the profits to increase production would help the country cut down on importing natural rubber. One of the main global issues facing the rubber industry is the lack of traceability in raw materials. Currently Malaysia's rubber products hold a 16 per cent market share in the EU, valued at RM3.235 billion.

In other issues reported that Malaysia's natural rubber industry lacking in sustainability are identified. Malaysia is the world’s seventh largest producer and eighth largest consumer of natural rubber in the world. Rubber products in Malaysia are broadly used for three sectors, namely tyres, industrial custom rubber products, and consumables such as gloves and shoes. There are reports released yesterday stated that there's still a lack of sustainability and traceability in the natural rubber industry in Malaysia. The reports, entitled "Mapping the Natural Rubber Value Chain in Malaysia" and "Addendum Report on Rubberwood", found that the problem pertaining to the supply chain of natural rubber lies in the systemic structures of the production system. Malaysia is the world's seventh largest producer and eighth largest consumer of natural rubber in the world. Rubber products in Malaysia are broadly used for three sectors, namely tyres, industrial custom rubber products, and consumables such as gloves and shoes. Malaysia is a major importer of natural rubber from Thailand, as most Malaysian-grown natural rubber goes to tyre applications. The rubber sector is the second largest agricultural sector in Malaysia behind the oil palm sector, and has a significant impact on the environment. For the rubberwood sector, around 90 to 95 per cent of rubberwood goes towards the furniture segment in Malaysia. This segment accounts for 70 to 75 per cent of the rubberwood sector's RM8 to RM9 billion per year of export value in recent years. Rubber production is dominated by smallholders, at 96 per cent, and is a crucial sector in providing job security. As an important commodity to the nation and the rural population, WWF conducted a study to understand the natural rubber value chain in the country. The study found two key issues pertaining to the natural rubber industry, being the lack of sustainability and lack of traceability. The sustainability challenges stem from the fact that the industry is dominated by smallholders. According to Dr Adrian Choo, lead for WWF-Malaysia's Sustainable Markets Programme: "The lack of proper transparency and traceability in the natural rubber industry is rooted in the production system, as it is dominated by smallholders. The incentives or lack thereof is a major influence on their attitudes towards the environment. This challenge is not unique to rubber, but to many other commodities in general. There is also minimal disclosure in public corporate and sustainability reports for natural rubber. While the processing stages are relatively straightforward, there are complex sustainability challenges at the subsequent value chain stages. The reports found that market instruments, such as certification and premium, are important in mainstreaming sustainability in the natural rubber landscapes. However, key factors such as the synergy between sustainability platforms, smallholder equity, commitment and corresponding practices by major natural rubber buyers, and sustainable financing need to be present.  In terms of sustainability, some major Malaysian furniture companies indicate the usage of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Controlled Wood and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) certified wood, although the volumes used are not publicly disclosed. Currently, there is an increase of sustainability mechanisms for natural rubber sourcing, which include certification schemes, roundtables and supplier rating systems. The challenge is to create synergy between the various sustainability schemes to mainstream sustainable natural rubber. For the rubberwood sector, the prospects for sustainable rubberwood appear promising, as concerns on climate change point to an increased interest in wood, to reduce the usage of carbon-intensive steel and cement in the built environment. For instance, cemboards, or cement boards (particleboards made from the combination of cement and wood fibres) are one of the primary products from processing rubberwood. Nonetheless, interest in FSC and PEFC certifications are challenged by the smallholder-dominated rubberwood landscape, and the lack of interest from seasoned stakeholders. Financial support, incentives and group organisation are required to encourage the certification of rubber plantations, particularly by the younger generation of smallholders. The lack of transparency and traceability impedes the sustainability of the natural rubber sector in Malaysia, and they must be addressed. Fundamental restructuring of the marketing system that will enhance greater financial returns to smallholders is also badly needed. Unless smallholders are incentivised to produce rubber sustainably, it remains challenging to convince them to shift from their embracement of current revenue generation models. Financial incentive is the key. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Melaka,

Malaysia.

(October 2024).

Update article on January 2026.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026...

VERTICAL FARMING IN SINGAPORE

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026!

SINGAPORE NEW VERTICAL FARMING farm targeted to produce 500,000 kg of greens annually and maximum capacity to produce annually up to more than 500,000 kg of leafy greens. Production are for the local consumers in Singapore using their Dryponics method. Dryponics keeps the plants alive, with the roots intact, until they reach the consumer. Earlier this year the Singapore-based agri-tech company known as Sustenir made headlines with its lab-grown strawberries and arugula in its hydroponic facility. Now, the startup has just expanded into Hong Kong to start vertical farming in the city, producing two kinds of kale at their Tuen Mun facility. Sustenir’s vertical farming technology presents an alternative to the current food system operating in hot and humid climates like Hong Kong and Singapore. By growing non-native crops in lab-controlled settings, the startup hopes to alleviate dependence on foreign food imports, which generates additional carbon emissions, and food waste in the transportation process.  Blog "Anim Agriculture Technology" report on an article about the vertical farming in Singapore as a new agriculture project fo food production.

The blog writer able to visit a site in Singapore to verify one of kind of vertical farming project in Ang Mo Kio housing area in Singapore recent months. Fresh Vegetable produce sold at SGD5.000 per pack with organic certification on the label (See picture above). However, after its latest round of series A funding in which attracted US$15.4 million in investment from venture capital firms including Grok Ventures and Tamesek Holdings, Sustenir has recently launched a new 30,000 square foot hydroponic farming facility in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong. The produce currently launched in the city include “Kinky Kale” and “Toscano Kale”. The company is also looking to bring in new offerings in the near future, including kale juice and pesto, both of which they sell in Singapore. Commenting on the reasons behind their launch in Hong Kong, co-founder and CEO of Sustenir Benjamin Swan told Green Queen that “Hong Kong has similar constraints to space as Singapore and has a similar reliance to imported produce. Our mission has always been to be present in countries and communities with heavy reliance to imports, so we can produce locally and lessen carbon emissions from import transportation.” The company in which was founded in Singapore in 2013, produces crops that are in local demand using laboratory-controlled vertical farming methods based on artificial intelligence and LED lighting, which helps photosynthesis in plants. Using this technology, the shelf-life of Sustenir’s farmed crops can be extended, which helps to reduce food wastage. In addition, by growing non-native crops in a local facility, the concept minimises the carbon footprint involved in transporting foods, as well as wasted food that often results in the logistical process of importing fresh produce. This is particularly relevant for Hong Kong, where over 90% of the city’s food supplies are imported from abroad, and for the wider Asian region, which is responsible for over half of global waste. To cater to Hong Kong tastes specifically in their first launch outside of Singapore, Swan said to Green Queen: “When we enter a country, we always make sure that we tailor our products to the tastes and wants of the people so we can truly give a product made in Hong Kong for Hong Kong.” Now that their first international foray under their belt, Sustenir hopes to be able to first increase their product offerings in the facility, including growing other leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, arugula and basil, and to continue to launch more urban vertical farms across Asian cities.

Thanks.

By,

M Anim,

Putrjaya,

Malaysia.

(December 2020).

Report updated on 1.1.2026.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026!