Abstract

Under the Agro Food Act (DAN 2011-2020), fruit is recognized as one of the key thrust area for economy by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Malaysia. Several fruits namely Durian, Mango, Jackfruit, Pineapple and Starfruit are among the fruit in demand and has significant export quality. The success of Durian especially Musang King variety recently has significant effect on the fruit industry For Malaysia. It was perfectly choreographed from the farm, post- harvest and down-stream processing. Similarly with Harumanis variety of Mango but with a twist because the volume is still not permissible for down-stream processing. Several varieties of pineapple and starfruit have emerged giving new light for the fruits. Mangosteen being the queen of fruit has long being used in the beauty industry in Thailand and now given serious attention in Malaysia. However, the market and demand for Rambutan and Dokong is still slow and causing fruit dumping during the peak season. Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) has done the best to buffer the impact for the fruit growers but the task is very challenging for them as Rambutan and Dokong are very perishable and lack of demand for post-harvest and down-stream processing industries. Potential new product such as vinegar, canning and juices could be the answer for Rambutan and Dokong. With the palm oil price and rubber price on the decline, perhaps the attention could be turned into the tropical fruits as new crop economic.