SERDANG: The 2012 Malaysian International Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro Tourism (MAHA) exhibition at the Serdang Malaysian Agriculture Expo Park once again carved a name for itself in “The Malaysia Book of Records” when it drew more than 3.1 million (3.137 million) visitors.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar expects the figure to touch 3.2 million when the 10-day exhibition closes at 10 pm later tonight.

“I’m very pleased because once again we have surpassed our target. In 2010 we had 2.66 million visitors.

“This time we have surpassed the 3.137 million mark, an achievement to be proud of. It is hoped that such participation is followed by positive development in the agriculture sector and contribute to the country’s income,” he told reporters after closing the MAHA 2012, here today.

Noh said the exhibition managed to attract 2,240 exhibitors and recorded RM24,115 million in sales transactions and RM157,962 in business matching, compared to RM23.58 million and RM152.26 million respectively for last year.

“Through MAHA, we’ve managed to change the people’s perception that agriculture is no longer a sector for the poor or uneducated, but open to all with the promise of lucrative profits.

“Therefore, we want more youths and graduates to enter the sector and succeed. MyAgrosis is one example of efforts to get the participation of more graduates,” he said.

Noh also said that a proposal to increase the current RM50,000 micro credit loan provided under Tekun and Agrobank to RM100,000 will be made at the next cabinet meeting.

— BERNAMA