Sabah’s QAV1 Avocados Reach Parliament – Promoting Local Fruits from Tawau to the Nation

Kuala Lumpur, 29 July 2025 – In a major initiative to promote local agricultural produce, 300 premium avocados from Tawau, Sabah, were distributed today at the Parliament building to Members of Parliament and media representatives as part of the national “Eat Local Fruits” campaign.

The programme was chaired by Datuk Seri Mohammad Sabu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, who lent his full support to the effort. Also in attendance were Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, and Mr Tee Zee Bin, representing Top Borneo Sdn Bhd, the Tawau-based company behind the Borneocado avocado brand.

The highlight of the event was the QAV1 avocado (Quion Hill Avocado Variety 1) – a high-quality local fruit developed through over a decade of research at the Bukit Quion Agricultural Research Station in Tawau, under the Sabah Department of Agriculture.

This unique variety offers premium characteristics: thick, creamy flesh, a small seed, a naturally sweet flavour, and a weight of approximately 500 grams per fruit. Mature trees can yield up to 200 fruits per season and begin producing within 3 to 4 years of planting.

The trees thrive in tropical conditions and are easy to maintain. Currently, seedlings are sold at RM45–RM65 each, while fresh fruits are priced at RM18–RM25 per kilogram.

“The QAV1 avocado is not only gaining popularity in the domestic market but also shows strong export potential,” said Philip Yap Wui Lip, Tawau Municipal Council Member.

“As a proud Sabahan, I am committed to seeing Tawau’s avocados reach consumers both locally and globally.”

He added that companies like Borneocado are ready to ramp up production to meet growing demand. With continued support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Sabah’s avocado brand could become internationally recognised.

Yap also highlighted the potential for agro-tourism in the region, envisioning a future where visitors can enjoy farm experiences and pick avocados fresh from the orchards.

“One day, I hope Tawau will be known as a national hub for high-quality fruit production,” he said.

“With vast, untapped land and strong government backing, Sabah has everything it needs to lead in sustainable agriculture and reduce our reliance on imported fruits.”

The event marks a significant step in branding Tawau as a key player in Malaysia’s local fruit industry and underscores the broader push toward food security and agricultural innovation.