Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu presenting the lucky draw winner and family with the grand prize during the MAHA 2024 closing ceremony. Looking on are former Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali (far left), deputy secretary-general Datuk Azah Hanim Ahmad (second from right) and Agrobank president and chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin (far right). — SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star
SERDANG: This year’s Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-Tourism Exhibition (MAHA 2024) soared above expectations as over five million visitors attended the event, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said about 5.5 million visitors had attended the exhibition from Sep 11 to Sep 22, which far exceeded their original target of three million visitors.
Held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), the massive crowds also brought big earnings as over RM48mil in sales was made at the exhibition.
Among the most popular of agricultural products were the local favourite durian, cempedak and rambutan while Brahman cattle claimed the title as the most sold animal products.
The newly introduced MAHA Go Global (MGG), a segment designed as an international trade expo and discussion forum, saw over 9,500 trade visitors and 150 exhibitors who took part in various conferences.
Participants included both local and international agricultural experts and industry leaders from South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Australia, United Kingdom, China, Italy, America and New Zealand.
The exhibition also saw the signing of 81 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) and Memorandums Agreement (MoA) worth RM7.2bil in total between industry players, while another RM1.38bil in potential financing and business matching.
“This is a positive indicator that the people’s interest in the agricultural sector is growing rapidly as more become aware of the importance of ensuring food security in the country.
“It is also a reflection of MAHA’s importance as a national attraction and platform for driving innovation, education and business opportunities in our agricultural sector.
“This will help ensure a more competitive and sustainable future for our country’s food security going forward,” Mohamad Sabu said in his speech at MAHA’s closing ceremony.
In celebration of hitting five million visitors, one lucky visitor was also awarded a new car, which was presented by Mohamad Sabu during the event. Agrobank was the main sponsor. The exhibition had featured 48 segments from various fields of agriculture, technology and innovation which included fruits, vegetable and herbs, fishing, animal husbandry and agricultural mechanisation.
There were also 13 Pavilions that were designed to showcase the unique culture, food, and local products of each state, including one for federal territories.
Among the attractions at each Pavillion included agrifood samples as well as traditional cultural crafts and performances that were unique to each state.
With this massive variety of not just agricultural products and technology but also cultural exposure, Mohamad Sabu said MAHA would turbocharge national agriculture development.
“Both existing farmers and those looking to enter the industry got the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and learn of new technology that can increase their agricultural yield.
“It also served as the ideal platform for promoting local products to consumers, which allowed small and medium enterprises to improve their business network through collaboration with other industry players.
“I must also note the exceptional presence of so many VIPs, celebrities and social media influencers at this year’s MAHA, which I believe helped to draw in even more visitors and stimulate local economic growth,” he said.
To this, he noted that there was a media reach of 485 million in relation to MAHA 2024.
Meanwhile for youth, there were also customised exhibitions which aimed to provide them their first exposure to agriculture along with fitness-based programmes.
Mohamad Sabu hoped this youth-based approach would do well in ensuring youth interest towards our all-important national agricultural industry and said the ministry would look to continue this trend in future exhibitions.
“For all youths, I hope your visit to MAHA this time has changed your perception of this field to realise it is now more technology oriented than ever before and not as dirty, dangerous and difficult as assumed by many.
“I urge you all to consider exploring agriculture as a potential career path not just for personal gain but also for the good of our country going forward,” he said.
Mohamad Sabu also took the opportunity to thank the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali as it was the latter’s last day of service on Sunday at the ministry.
