Berjaya Land to start planting durian, Napier grass

 By Sharen Kaur - June 17, 2025 

Berjaya Land Bhd group chief executive officer Syed Ali Shahul Hameed (third from left) and Impianan Utara Sdn Bhd executive director Datuk Syed Tajul Arif (third from right) exchanging the signed memorandum of understanding, witnessed by Berjaya Group founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan, Menteri Besar of Perlis Mohd Shukri Ramli, MBI Perlis acting CEO Ahmad Hishamudin, and Impianan Utara chief operating officer Lukman Mohmood.

KUALA LUMPUR: Berjaya Land Bhd is set to embark on large-scale cultivation of durian and Napier hybrid grass in Perlis.

The selected durian variety is Blackthorn, renowned for its rich flavour and strong market demand, with plans to cater to both local and international markets.

Meanwhile, the fast-growing, high-yield Napier grass will be cultivated to support livestock farming and contribute to Malaysia's wider food security efforts.

In a statement, Berjaya Land said the project forms part of its commitment to sustainable agriculture, supporting the cattle and dairy industries and promoting agro-based economic growth.

To advance the effort, the company signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Impianan Utara Sdn Bhd to jointly develop the plantation and explore mining opportunities for rare earth elements and other minerals in Perlis. Both initiatives will be carried out in partnership with Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) Perlis, the state's investment arm.

Impianan Utara, through its collaboration with MBI, has already secured the necessary state-level approvals. The mining component aligns with Malaysia's ambition to become a leading, environmentally responsible player in the global rare earth industry.

Berjaya Land said the dual projects are expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits for Perlis, including new revenue streams, job creation, and increased economic activity. Revenue from the plantation will be shared with the state through MBI's arrangement with Impianan Utara, with additional contributions through annual lease payments.

Beyond income generation, the plantation is also poised to stimulate downstream agro-processing industries and enhance Perlis' export potential.

Berjaya Land group chief executive officer Syed Ali Shahul Hameed said the initiative is about more than just new revenue streams.

"We see value not just in the projects themselves, but in the positive ripple effects they can bring, from creating jobs and attracting investments to uplifting surrounding communities and promoting knowledge exchange."

The partners also plan to explore future collaborations in areas such as border city development and tourism, leveraging Perlis' strategic location to further elevate the state's economic profile.

Source: https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2025/06/1232024/berjaya-land-start-planting-durian-perlis