SERDANG: The Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2024 recorded a staggering 5.51 million visitors for the 12-day event, with RM48 million in direct sales.
The event also saw the inking of 81 memoranda of understanding and memoranda of agreement worth RM7.2 billion, and RM1.38 billion worth of financing and business matching, courtesy of Agrobank.
"I am very satisfied with the extraordinary achievements accomplished, especially the increase in seedling, sapling and livestock sales,"said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu at the closing of MAHA 2024 on Sunday.
He said these were positive indicators of the public's rising interest in agriculture, as well as awareness of food security.
"These numbers are not just statistics but also a reflection that MAHA remains the nation's premier event."
Mohamad said among the unique aspects of this year's event was the introduction of MAHA Go Global, an initiative aimed at expanding and promoting Malaysian agricultural products to the global market and vice versa.
Three major conferences were held under the MAHA Go Global platform — the 2nd Annual Food Security Asia Congress, the Trade Export Conference and the Madani Agropreneur Gathering and the Declaration Convention 2024.
Mohamad urged the younger generation to consider a future in agriculture.
"To the youth, I am sure that your visit to MAHA this time has changed your perception of this field.
"With modern technology, I believe you are now aware that agriculture is no longer a 3D (dirty, dangerous and difficult) field of work."
He added that the event gave farmers a chance to market their products to Malaysians and learn about new agricultural insights.
MAHA, which originally conceived its name from the Malayan Agri-Horticultural Association, was first held in 1923 at the Selangor Turf Club Field.
While it was dormant between 1972 and 1999, the historic exhibition has been on the national calendar every two years since then.
Commemorating its 100th anniversary, the 2024 edition of MAHA focused on elevating the event to an international level, with participation from various countries enhancing its global stature.
"I am confident and believe that MAHA will continue to be the platform to explore the latest technology, expand investment and marketing potential, as well as a collaborative network in designing the agricultural sector for the next 100 years," said Mohamad.
The closing included a prize presentation.
Mohamad also thanked ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim, as it was his last day of service at the ministry.
The exhibition, which was officiated on Sept 11 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang. The event saw 2,000 entrepreneurs, featuring pavilions from every state and one representing the Federal Territories, showcasing culture, cuisine and products from across the country.
On Sept 18, the exhibition achieved its target of three million visitors.
"More than 9,500 trade visitors and 150 exhibitors from around the world participated in this year's MAHA," Mohamad said, noting that this demonstrated strong community support for the event.
Meanwhile, the five-millionth visitor to the event walked away with a Perodua Axia on Sunday.
Fried banana fritters seller Azman Awang, 51, from Taman Harmoni, Kajang, said he never expected his third visit to MAHA would bring him such luck.
Azman said he had come to fulfil the wishes of his four children, who wanted to see the animals showcased at the event.
"After walking around for a while, we decided to head home. While waiting for the bus, I was approached by two officers who informed me that I had won a mystery prize. I was shocked at first, thinking it was a scam," he said after receiving his prize from Mohamad.
Azman said he planned to give the car to his wife, Nurul Ashikin Ghazali, 35.