SIBU: There is a glut of pineapple in this town around this time every year.
Due to oversupply, the price is extremely cheap.
Farmers in nearby Sarikei－the pineapple town－will flock to Sibu to sell this tropical fruit.
Even those from as far as Mukah and Matu-Daro would drive here.
A Mukah resident, who wished to be known only as Yusof, was spotted selling the fruit at the parking lot near the Civic Centre.
He sells the smaller ones at RM1 each. For a bundle of three, it is RM5, and RM7 for 10.
“These pineapples are from our farm in Mukah. It took me three hours by road from Mukah to here. I cannot sell them in Mukah as the fruit is already aplenty there,” he explained.
Yusof was assisted by his three siblings. The boot of his multi-purpose vehicle was packed with pineapples.
A surgeon at a private medical centre here, Dr Clement Cheng, said pineapples were not only delicious but nutritious and cheap.
He urged the public to consume more pineapples, not only because of its nutritional value but also to support local farmers.
“While buying pineapples, I also learnt something. When the seller told me that it takes more than a year for the plant to bear fruit, I was surprised.
“I thought it would only take a few months. Imagine such a big pineapple, three of them only sold for RM10!” the Sibu Cancer Society chairman exclaimed.
He also discovered that the work of farmers was really tough.
“No matter what crops they planted, it would take a long time to harvest them and the price is not that attractive.
“Let’s appreciate the work of pineapple farmers, and also vegetable farmers. A large bunch of vegetables only sells for a few ringgits!
“Let us eat more vegetables. They’re good for your health, and never waste food,” he advised.
