KOTA MARUDU: Steps are underway to encourage local farmers to plant better species of maize from Taiwan and China to replace local hybrid corn, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said.

He said, to start the farmers off, the State Agriculture Department would distribute free seeds of the hardier new species.

These higher-yielding foreign species were responsive to organic fertiliser and local climate conditions, besides being less susceptible to pests and diseases, he said.

They also took a shorter time to harvest, he added.

Dr Maximus hoped the measure would stimulate the maize industry.

Maize is widely planted in Kota Marudu district.

Speaking to reporters after launching the two-day annual Pesta Jagung over the weekend here, Dr Maximus said the new corn species were well received by consumers as they were sweeter and bigger.

Pesta Jagung is an annual event held in this northern district since 2002.

This year, the organisers attempted to enter the Malaysia Book of Records by roasting 5,000 corn cobs -- laid out over a distance of 300m -- in 15 minutes.

The festival, aimed at drawing tourists to the district, saw a variety of cultural shows, exhibitions and contests, including the Corn Fashion Queen pageant.