SHAH ALAM, July 24 — The Selangor government is promoting the purchase and consumption of local fruit in a bid to reduce Malaysia’s reliance on imported fruit and vegetables, which cost an estimated RM7.5 billion each year.
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato’ Izham Hashim said this would increase demand for local agricultural produce while boosting the incomes of farming households and agropreneurs.
“Programmes such as the Selangor Fruit Festival 2026 are an important annual platform for promoting quality local produce. We want people to choose it not only because it is fresh and nutritious, but also because it helps reduce import dependence.
"Malaysia imports RM7.5 billion worth of fruit and vegetables annually. If we start by using local fruit instead of imported fruit in fruit (gift) baskets, it would significantly strengthen sales for our farmers and agropreneurs,” he told a press conference after launching the Selangor Fruit Festival at Aneka Walk here today.
Also present were Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof and Shah Alam Mayor Dato’ Zabidah Safar.
The annual three-day event, which concludes Sunday, is a collaboration between the Agriculture Committee, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS), and Shah Alam City Council (MBSA).
“For the three-day festival, running from 10am to 10pm, we are targeting about RM250,000 in sales through various activities and direct sales by participating entrepreneurs.
“We have prepared 40 tonnes of local fruit from 15 varieties, including durian, mangosteen, rambutan, pineapple and guava, for visitors,” Izham said.
Addressing concerns over hot weather and market disruptions, he said efforts are ongoing to monitor water resources including rivers and dams to minimise the impact of El Niño on agricultural activities.
He explained that Selangor is relying on reserves under the Raw Water Guarantee Scheme (SJAM) to ensure sufficient irrigation for padi fields and other crops, following a slight drop in river levels in recent months that could lead to increased ammonia levels.
“Water levels at Selangor’s seven main dams are very healthy, ranging between 85 per cent and 90 per cent, ensuring sufficient water supply for the agriculture sector,” Izham said.
