MERSING (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Prepare for a taste of Malaysian caviar, which will come from sturgeon fish farms developed by the country's Federal Land Development Authority (Felda).

"There is high demand for caviar, especially among the rich, who do not mind forking out a large sum for the delicacy," said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"Felda is targeting this market and will soon be releasing its own caviar product," he said when opening the Felda Sentuhan Kasih programme at Felda Tenggaroh 3 here on Thursday.

The sturgeon is native to subtropical, temperate and sub-Arctic rivers, lakes and coastlines of Eurasia and North America. Several species are harvested for their roe, which is made into caviar - a delicacy that makes some sturgeon varieties the most valuable of harvested fish.

Mr Najib said at the last Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Bali, he had mentioned Felda's intention to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was amused by the idea.

"He joked that if Malaysia starts exporting caviar, it will affect the Russian monopoly of the market," said Mr Najib, adding that the initiative would help make Felda a globally recognisable brand.