KOTA KINABALU: Sabah entrepreneurs will have greater opportunities to promote their products and expand into new markets through the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (Maha) 2026, said Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin.
He said Sabah’s rich agricultural resources and growing number of agropreneurs position the State as an important contributor to the country’s food security agenda.
Advertisement
.gif)
Chan said Maha 2026, the country’s largest agri-food exposition, is expected to attract four million visitors, generate RM8 billion in memorandum of understanding (MoU) value and record RM58 million in sales.
He said the exhibition, to be held at the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) from Aug 28 to Sept 6, would serve as a platform to strengthen food security, promote innovation and create business opportunities for entrepreneurs, including those from Sabah.
Launching the Road to Maha 2026 @ Sabah programme at the Likas Stadium grounds, Saturday, Chan said the exhibition features more than 2,000 exhibitors and showcases modern agricultural technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), agricultural drones and smart farming practices.
He said Maha 2026, themed “Value Creation for Food Security”, reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring the country’s food supply remains sufficient, safe, sustainable and resilient amid global challenges.
According to him, global food supply chains continue to face uncertainties due to climate change and rising production costs, making efforts to strengthen domestic food production increasingly important.
Chan said Sabah has an important role in the national food security agenda due to its fertile land, abundant natural resources and strong agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors.
He said products such as premium Sabah rice, QAV1 avocado, Tenom pomelo and Kundasang red onions have strong potential to be marketed nationwide and internationally.
“Maha provides the best platform for Sabah entrepreneurs to promote their products, expand business networks and explore new markets,” he said.
Chan said Maha has evolved beyond being merely an exhibition and now serves as a key platform bringing together farmers, agri-food industry players, policymakers, investors and the public to drive transformation in the sector.
He added that one of the highlights of Maha 2026 would be the introduction of technologies capable of increasing productivity and reducing dependence on food imports.
Chan also said the agricultural sector must attract more young people, noting that it is no longer a traditional occupation but a modern, technology-driven industry offering viable career and business opportunities.
The Road to Maha 2026 @ Sabah programme from June 11 to 14 features Agro Madani sales offering affordable food packages under the Kombo JAM promotion, as well as Happy Hour sales and promotional activities for local entrepreneurs.
Visitors also have the opportunity to view the Maha 2026 exhibition truck, which showcases information, products and previews of what will be featured at the main event in Serdang.
The Maha 2026 pavilion features major clusters, including Kingdom of Agrofood, AgriBusiness, Laman Padi, Onion Crop Innovation and Livestock, highlighting advancements in the agri-food sector.
Various interactive activities were also organised by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) and agencies under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, including Kahoot quizzes, agricultural and fisheries weight-guessing competitions, educational programmes and knowledge-sharing sessions.
During the event, Chan presented assistance and grants to selected entrepreneurs as part of the Government’s continued efforts to strengthen the agri-food sector.
The assistance comprised RM16,700 under the Product Image Improvement Programme, RM10,000 under the Rezeki Tani Programme and RM18,000 Change Up Product Grant to Lados Sdn Bhd.
Chan said the initiatives would help entrepreneurs improve product quality, expand business capacity and enhance competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
