01 July 2025 at 09:12 pm IST
Malaysia is advancing a bold plan to transform pineapple waste into valuable economic and environmental assets by establishing five Pineapple Waste Processing Centres (PPSNs) and 50 waste collection kiosks nationwide. Spearheaded by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), this initiative aims to convert pineapple leaves, stems, and other farm residues into products such as animal feed, planting media, paper pulp, and composite materials. The centres will be strategically located across the East Coast, Southern, Northern, Central, and Sarawak zones to maximize regional impact and provide farmers with new income streams while supporting sustainability goals. The first pilot PPSN, operational since last year in Rompin, Pahang, is equipped with advanced machinery including harvesters, crushers, extruders, and dryers, capable of processing between one to three tonnes of pineapple waste daily. Complementing these centres, the 50 collection kiosks will be set up at community and smallholder levels to streamline logistics and facilitate efficient waste gathering. This integrated approach is expected to accelerate the value chain and enable farmers to easily sell their pineapple waste to nearby PPSNs, enhancing overall farm efficiency and profitability. According to LPNM, Malaysia produces approximately two million tonnes of pineapple waste annually from its 18,664 hectares of pineapple plantations, with each acre generating up to 51 tonnes of waste. By adopting a three-stage harvesting model—covering fruit, seedlings, and waste—the board estimates that the value per pineapple plant could increase by RM30 to RM50. This initiative aligns with the National Agrofood Policy's zero-waste management objectives and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and resource optimization. The launch of these centres coincides with the inaugural Malaysian Pineapple Day 2025, themed “Nanas Kita Kebanggaan Negara,” which seeks to promote pineapple as a key national crop and attract youth interest in modern agricultural practices. Through these efforts, Malaysia is positioning itself as a leader in innovative agro-waste management, turning what was once discarded into a promising driver of economic growth and environmental stewardship.
