WELLINGTON, July 18 — New Zealand has expressed interest in increasing imports of Malaysian pineapples, driven by strong demand for the tropical fruit, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said Malaysian pineapples, known for their distinctive quality, flavour, and texture, have gained popularity among consumers in New Zealand, presenting significant export potential in the global market.
However, Zahid acknowledged that Malaysia’s current export capacity remains limited and stressed the need for greater focus and coordination among the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS), state governments, and agro-entrepreneurs to meet the growing demand.
“The demand is high, but our export capabilities are still constrained. We have the quality — the flavour and texture are excellent,” he told the Malaysian press at the end of his five-day working visit to New Zealand on Saturday (Friday in Malaysia).
Also present were Malaysia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki, and the Foreign Affairs Ministry's Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Oceania Division Undersecretary John K. Samuel.
Zahid added that he would discuss the matter further with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and will instruct the Selangor, Pahang, Johor, and Melaka governments to expand large-scale cultivation of pineapples to meet export needs.
During a meeting with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (Fianz), he said he received a request for Malaysia’s assistance in providing copies of the Quran translated into the Māori language.
“I was asked to help contribute Māori-language Qurans. I have contacted Yayasan Restu to explore this, and will seek funding from non-governmental sources, including individuals and private organisations,” Zahid said.
He noted that around 1,200 Māori have embraced Islam, presenting an opportunity for Malaysia to offer support to the growing community. There are currently 96 mosques across New Zealand.
Zahid’s working visit included engagements with senior government leaders, community dialogues, a halal industry forum, and visits to educational institutions and the country’s disaster management centre.
— Bernama
