KUALA LUMPUR (March 7): PLS Plantations Bhd has inked a deal with China-based Guangzhou Jiangnan Agriculture Development Co Ltd to build a regional one-stop wholesale market in Johor for the processing and marketing of Malaysian agricultural produce.

In a statement on Thursday, PLS said the companies signed the agreement in conjunction with the official visit to China by a Johor delegation led by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

PLS said the regional wholesale markets, which will be built in Pasir Gudang in Johor, is a significant step toward boosting Malaysia's food security programme.

PLS executive vice chairman Tan Sri Lim Kang Hoo said that the one-stop offtake centre in Pasir Gudang will serve as a hub for farmers and other food producers seeking support services, market access and logistical assistance.

“The aim is to streamline the supply chain process, provide convenience and efficiency for producers and consumers alike. It will handle all aspects of agriculture, aquaculture and meat production for both local consumption and export markets,” he said.

Lim said the parties will also explore Investments in farming and plantations, including factories for processing, packaging and distribution of quality products to local and export markets, and one of the main products will be durian upstream and downstream products.

Lim said that both parties would also collaborate to source for agricultural products and ensure fair pricing and market access for producers.

“This collaboration will significantly enhance the procurement of high-quality products, adherence to regulatory standards, and the establishment of reliable supply chains to meet consumer demand,” he said.