By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 31: The federal government will focus on large-scale agricultural development in several states including Sarawak to increase domestic food production and reduce Malaysia’s heavy dependence on imported food, which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described as a national risk.
“The country’s dependence on imported food sources remains high. A collapse in imported food supplies could pose a threat to the nation,” Anwar said when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in Parliament today.
To mitigate this, the government will intensify domestic production efforts by developing large-scale agriculture in Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak.
“The five-season paddy cultivation programme within two years in MADA, Kedah and Perlis, KADA in Kelantan, and integrated agricultural development areas in Selangor, Perak, Penang and Sarawak will be expedited and expanded,” he added.
In addition, the government plans to prioritise the transfer of agricultural technology, improved land management, and use of modern machinery through agrofood mechanisation and automation programmes.
Research, development, commercialisation and innovation (RDCI) activities, smart farming adaptations, and satellite farms will also be intensified through strong synergy between farmers including young agropreneurs, research institutions and the industry.
“To enhance the overall food supply chain, the efficiency of infrastructure for collection, processing, grading, and distribution centres, as well as the small and medium-scale retail sector, will be strengthened,” he stated.
Anwar also said that Malaysians must begin to view agriculture not just as a means of subsistence, but a profitable economic opportunity.
“The people’s mindset must change from viewing agriculture as merely a subsistence activity to one that presents highly lucrative economic potential.
“Through these efforts, the government is targeting the agri-food sub-sector to generate RM58 billion in added value by 2030,” he emphasised. – DayakDaily
