Kuala lumpur: To improve the quality of life for its citizens, the government is committed to empowering people, enhancing social standards, and ensuring access to basic necessities such as affordable food, housing, and healthcare, announced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar highlighted the risks associated with Malaysia's high dependence on imported food, which could pose a threat if supply chains are disrupted. To mitigate this risk, the government plans to boost the production of domestic food products.
Anwar emphasized the focus on developing large-scale agriculture in regions including Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Sabah, and Sarawak. This initiative was outlined during the presentation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026-2030 at the Dewan Rakyat.
The implementation of a five-season padi planting program will be accelerated and expanded within two years, targeting the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) areas in Kedah and Perlis, as well as the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) in Kelantan. Moreover, integrated agricultural development areas in Selangor, Perak, Penang, and Sarawak will be included.
Anwar also pointed out that research, development, commercialization, and innovation (RDCI) activities, along with smart agriculture adaptation and satellite farms, will be intensified through collaboration between farmers, including young agropreneurs, research institutions, and industry players.
Simultaneously, the diversification of Malaysia's food import sources will be pursued to decrease reliance on specific countries. Regulations regarding food entry into the country will be tightened to ensure safety and quality standards are met.
To enhance the overall food supply chain, Anwar stated that the efficiency of collection, processing, grading, and distribution centers, as well as small and medium-scale retail sectors, would be strengthened.
Lastly, Anwar stressed the importance of altering the public's perception of the agricultural sector, which is often seen as a subsistence activity. He called for a shift in mindset to recognize agriculture as a profitable economic opportunity, with efforts to increase the value-added contribution of the agro-food sub-sector to RM58 billion by 2030.