KUCHING: Sarawak is pushing to establish Sarawak Gold 1 (SG1) as the state’s premium pineapple variety, with a planting target of 60 hectares this year alongside a trial export programme to Singapore.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the state wants SG1 to be developed as a premium product carrying a Sarawak identity that can penetrate regional and international markets.
“This requires brand building that can ensure consistent quality and meet market requirements.”
His speech was read by Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail at the opening of the Kursus Perdana Rantaian Industri Nanas Negeri Sarawak 2026 at Hotel 56 here today.
The Singapore trial is intended to assess market acceptance, logistics requirements and compliance with export procedures.
The push for SG1 forms part of a wider strategy involving three development zones: the northern zone, focused on SG1 and processing hubs; the southern zone, focused on the MD2 variety and export hubs; and the central zone, focused on value-chain development.
Malaysia’s pineapple industry was valued at RM1.325 billion in 2024, with total production of 516,870.27 metric tonnes from 18,640.76 hectares nationwide, according to the fact sheet issued by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM).
