Kangar: There is a need for the agriculture sector to be empowered with elements of automation and digitalisation in efforts to produce highly skilled young agropreneurs capable of addressing national food security challenges. Human Resource Ministry deputy secretary-general (operations) Sutekno Ahmad Belon highlighted the focus on advancing agricultural automation technology at the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) of Kangar, which is in the final testing phase of a fully autonomous, system-controlled agricultural automation machine.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, several demonstrations of autonomous machines for plowing and other tasks were showcased, illustrating significant progress in the field. Sutekno shared these insights with reporters after the launch of the Kangar ILP Silver Jubilee. The event also featured Perlis Agriculture, Plantations and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Razali Saad and saw the inauguration of the Kangar ILP Smart Agriculture Centre. Additionally, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the ILP and five local companies involved in the agricultural technology sector.

Sutekno explained that the automation technology is a result of collaboration between Kangar ILP and agricultural machinery manufacturers, and it is anticipated to hit the market soon. He emphasized that this technological advancement could significantly enhance productivity in the agricultural sector and attract more young individuals to pursue careers in agriculture.

Furthermore, Sutekno urged Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) school leavers to seize the opportunity to advance their education in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the Kangar ILP, which now offers a Premier Agricultural Automation programme.