This article examines the factors that influence the implementation of postharvest handling practices among fresh vegetable producers in selected states in Malaysia. The primary data were collected through a survey using a questionnaire with the total of 121 fresh vegetable producers. The study was conducted at Kedah, Pahang, Kelantan, and Selangor. The study utilizes the stratified sampling method. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Factor analysis was carried out to identify the factors that influence the fresh vegetable producers to implement postharvest handling practices on their fresh produce. Based on the analysis, 6 factors were identified, namely, infrastructure, market availability, resources, government policy, knowledge, and attitude. The practice of postharvest handling on fresh produce can create value added to the product as well as increase the income of producers and enhance farm productivity.

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Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices Scheme (MyGAP) is a certification designed to give recognition for farms that practice good agricultural practices with an environmentally friendly concept, safeguard the welfare and safety of workers to produce quality, safe and edible products. Even though MyGAP certificate give a huge benefit in improving the quality of fresh produce and expand the market, surprisingly the adoption level of MyGAP among pineapple smallholders are relatively low. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the relationship between factors that influence the adoption of MyGAP among pineapple smallholders in Muar, Johor. Data collection through questionnaires were obtained from 130 pineapple smallholders using online methods. This study used simple random sampling approach to obtain useful data and information from respondents. Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) was employed to study the factors influencing the adoption of MyGAP among pineapple smallholders. Descriptive, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse the gathered data. The result indicates that knowledge, attitude, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms have a relatively significant relationship with the adoption of MyGAP at farm. Furthermore, perceived behavioural control was identified as a dominant factor that influence smallholders' adoption of MyGAP. The adoption of MyGAP at farm will significantly contribute to sustainable agriculture economy development and subsequently increase the income of smallholders.

The pepper plant is considered a valuable and popular choice of crop in Malaysia despite market fluctuation affecting its prices and other constraints in the pepper industry. In addition, pepper plant is mainly grown in rural areas of Sarawak and the growers are mainly smallholders who face tough challenges in the industry. Thus, this research endeavours to explore the challenges faced by pepper growers in Sarawak as seen from their perspectives. Qualitative data with a phenomenological approach was conducted to allow an in-depth understanding of their challenges. Data analysis of six semi-structured interviews on the pepper growers was conducted at an agreeable place to the participants. A sampling method was done via snowball sampling. The findings indicated several main themes of the challenges. The emerging main themes revealed that the challenges were associated with a shortage of workers, climate, profits, government assistance, pest, and crop diseases. The result will provide useful information for the government authority, agricultural agencies, and help to formulate the action plan to enhance pepper cultivation.