Kota Kinabalu: The second edition of the Agrotourism Durian Farm in Sabah Map booklet was launched, marking a significant expansion of Sabah’s durian agrotourism roadmap.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the programme has grown from 11 orchards in its first edition two years ago to 30 orchards this year.
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Most of the orchards offering a unique Sabah farmland experience, he said, are members of the Sabah Durian and Tropical Fruit Planters Association (MaSDa) and have been receiving visitors over the past two to three years.
The booklet was launched in conjunction with the Sabah Durian Tourism Bazaar at the Segama Waterfront from 12-14 Dec, involving 55 stalls selling beverages and food industry products.
“For fruit sales, about 14 orchards are directly involved, most of which are MaSDa members,” he said after launching the booklet at Dking, Segama Waterfront.
He explained that the bazaar adopts a direct from orchard to consumer concept, eliminating middlemen and allowing visitors to enjoy farm prices.
“Musang King, which is normally sold at around RM80 elsewhere, were offered at RM55 to RM65 during the event.
“These are farm prices. When middlemen are involved, prices usually increase significantly. Our intention is not to compete with traders but to develop the industry so orchard owners benefit while consumers enjoy fairer prices,” he said.
Jamawi stressed that the organisers were mindful of existing durian sellers who have operated for decades in nearby areas. Instead of competing, the event was designed to complement their activities.
“I was informed that despite our event taking place here yesterday, durian sales in nearby areas were also sold out.
“For tonight and tomorrow, we have invited them to join us here to further enliven the event,” he added.
He said the initiative also aims to showcase the quality of locally produced fruit and address longstanding concerns over fruit quality, incorrect tagging, as well as food cleanliness and safety.
“Through education and guided experience, we want operators to understand proper practices. Ultimately, we want our city to be clean, peaceful and assured in food quality so that more tourists will come,” he said.
Tourism Malaysia Director of Package Development Division Zuraini Abd Ghani said the development of the second edition of the booklet reflects Sabah’s commitment to offering fresh, community based tourism experiences.
“This edition provides visitors with the opportunity to experience first-hand the richness of Sabah’s agro heritage, while supporting rural tourism development and generating economic benefits for local communities.
It is also part of the preparations leading up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026,” she said.
The latest edition builds on the success of the first edition launched in August 2024, featuring 24 local fruit farm operators and agrotourism packages promoting Tamparuli, Menggatal, Papar, Tenom, Tawau and several other rural locations renowned for their wide variety of durians and tropical fruits.
Among the attractions are visits ranging from half-day durian orchard tours and farm based homestay experiences to full packages allowing visitors to savour unique Sabah durians such as durian pulu, dalit, sukang and others.
Each package was developed through collaboration with farm operators, local communities and tourism industry players to support agrotourism activities and help enhance income sources for local communities.
The three-day carnival style bazaar organised by MaSDa is being held for the first time in Kota Kinabalu, with the cooperation of Tourism Malaysia Sabah, the Sabah Tourism Board, Kota Kinabalu City Hall and FAMA.
Also present included Assistant Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister Datuk Hendrus Anding, Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah, MaSDa Chairman Duane Evans, and others.
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