Malaysians Encouraged to Eat More Local Fruits to Support Farmers
Malaysians are being encouraged to consume more locally grown fruits as part of an ongoing effort to support farmers, promote healthy eating, and strengthen the domestic food system.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Chan Foong Hin said the initiative focuses on increasing everyday consumption of homegrown fruits, particularly through local parliamentary service centres such as Kota Kinabalu.
The move aligns with nationwide programmes under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, which aim to reduce reliance on imported produce while improving market access for local farmers.
Officials noted that locally produced fruits are often competitively priced and better suited to local supply conditions, positioning them as a practical daily choice rather than an occasional alternative.
Under Budget 2026, the ministry received RM6.87 billion in total allocation, with RM2.04 billion earmarked for development spending. Part of this funding supports agricultural productivity and food promotion initiatives, including campaigns encouraging the public to choose local produce more regularly.
The approach is framed as a simple substitution. By choosing locally grown fruits more often, consumers help sustain rural livelihoods while keeping food spending within the local economy.
The message is clear. Local fruits are meant to be part of everyday diets, not just seasonal campaigns.
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