Dole

US-based food giant Dole has expressed interest in developing a multi-million dollar farming operation in Malaysia’s eastern-most state of Sabah.

According to a report by the Daily Express, the state’s Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman recently met with Dole representatives to discuss investment of some RM1bn (US$325m), in the region.

While no information was given as to what the farming operation would involve Dole has been looking to develop banana plantations in suitable areas in Asia and has opened an office in Vietnam in recent years.

Sabah's agricultural sector contributed RM7.24bn to the Gross Domestic Product in 2010 compared to RM3.8bn in 2005, the report stated.