KUALA LUMPUR — The question of whether pineapple should be considered part of Malaysia’s food security agenda needs to be viewed within the broader context of what food security actually means, said YB Senator Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali in a Facebook jotting.

He said food security does not necessarily mean that every agricultural commodity produced in the country must be reserved exclusively for domestic consumption.

“Food security is about ensuring that the people have reliable access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food,” he said who is also the Member of the Dewan Negara and Former Chairman of the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM).

According to Senator Sheikh Umar, the priority in food security discussions would generally include staple foods and essential sources of nutrition such as rice, protein, vegetables and other food commodities that are important to the population’s dietary needs.

“Pineapple and durian, for example, are not staple foods or the primary sources of nutrition for Malaysians. However, both remain important components of our agricultural sector because of their significant economic value,” he said.

Durian is under the purview of the Department of Agriculture, with efforts focused on strengthening production, improving quality and expanding commercial development.

The pineapple industry, meanwhile, is regulated and developed by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM), which is responsible for the overall development of the industry, including expanding cultivation, increasing production, exploring export opportunities and developing higher-value pineapple products.

Domestic Supply Remains Important

Senator Sheikh Umar said concerns over whether Malaysia has sufficient pineapple supplies for domestic consumers should therefore be answered based on actual production and market data.

According to LPNM figures, approximately 70% of fresh pineapple production is sold in the domestic market, while 30% is exported.

For processed pineapple products, including canned pineapple, approximately 95% is exported while 5% is consumed domestically.

“These figures are important because they show that pineapple exports do not mean the entire production is being sent overseas at the expense of Malaysian consumers,” he said.

“In fact, for fresh pineapple, 70% of production remains in the domestic market.”

He stressed that the domestic market and export market should not be viewed as competing priorities.

“If a pineapple farmer is able to produce fruit of high quality, meet international market standards and obtain a better price through exports, why should we prevent that opportunity?” he asked.

He said exports could provide farmers with access to wider markets and better income opportunities, while the country would also benefit from international trade and the growth of the agricultural industry.

“LPNM itself identifies increasing the contribution of the pineapple industry to the national economy and expanding its export market share as among its strategic priorities,” he added.

Agriculture and Malaysia’s Balance of Trade

Senator Sheikh Umar also highlighted the importance of understanding the broader economic role of agricultural exports.

Balance of Trade (BOT), or trade balance, refers to the difference between the value of a country’s exports and imports of goods. When exports exceed imports, the country records a trade surplus.

According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Malaysia recorded RM1.607 trillion in exports in 2025, compared with RM1.450 trillion in imports, resulting in a trade surplus of approximately RM156.8 billion.

For the agricultural sector, DOSM data showed that Malaysia’s agricultural product exports were valued at RM8.9 billion in January 2026, accounting for approximately 6% of the country’s total exports during the month.

“These figures demonstrate that agriculture has an important place within Malaysia’s international trade ecosystem, even though it is not the largest contributor to the country’s overall exports,” he said.

Secure Domestic Supply While Seizing Export Opportunities

Senator Sheikh Umar said the discussion should therefore not be framed as a choice between ensuring food security and exporting agricultural products.

“The question should not be, ‘Do we want to guarantee food for our people or do we want to export?’”

“The more appropriate question is: How do we ensure that food for our people remains secure while simultaneously taking advantage of domestic and international market opportunities?”

He said Malaysians must have access to sufficient and nutritious food, while farmers should also be given opportunities to access markets that can generate better returns and improve their livelihoods.

“At the same time, our agricultural industries need to grow, and the country must take advantage of opportunities in international markets,” he said.

He emphasised that food security and agricultural exports serve different but complementary purposes.

“Food security safeguards the food needs of the people. Agricultural exports help increase producers’ income and create economic value for the country.”

“The key is to build a sufficiently strong production capacity so that we can achieve both objectives in a balanced and sustainable manner,” Senator Sheikh Umar said.