“Mat Sabu Questions Why Bumiputera Durian Farmers Struggle While Others Get Rich”

Source: SAYS

Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Mohamad Sabu, also known as Mat Sabu, has raised concerns over the glaring wealth gap between Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera durian farmers in Malaysia.

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat on 11 November, Mat Sabu expressed his genuine worry over the situation, clarifying that his concerns were based on the welfare of Bumiputera farmers, not racial bias. He asked a crucial question: Why are Bumiputera durian farmers struggling, while others are reaping the rewards?

“The surprising thing is that while Bumiputeras have been growing durians for a long time, it is the Chinese who dominate the export market and become millionaires,” he said. “Why are Bumiputeras being left behind in this lucrative industry?”

He pointed out that land availability should not be a problem for Bumiputera farmers, noting that Penang is the only state with a Chinese menteri besar, while all other states are led by Bumiputera leaders.

However, he explained that most Malay durian farmers are still operating on a small scale, facing challenges in expanding their farms due to land constraints. He questioned why local governments haven’t provided enough land to support Bumiputera farmers in growing larger durian plantations.

Mat Sabu’s comments also shed light on how in Kelantan, the durian farming industry is largely dominated by Chinese millionaires. “Why have Bumiputera farmers failed to establish large-scale farms and export their durians abroad?” he asked, highlighting that many smallholders are stuck selling durians locally in places like Jalan Chow Kit and rural markets. Despite the booming durian market, they haven’t been able to tap into the full potential.

Another MP raised the issue of similar problems facing coconut farmers, suggesting that the Ministry address this as well. The debate was abruptly cut off by the Speaker of the House, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who asked Mat Sabu to wrap up his speech.

The Minister assured that any questions raised would be answered in written form in the coming weeks.