Selangor: A comprehensive approach needs to be introduced to attract and encourage young people to join the agricultural sector, said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. He highlighted the importance of this move following the Selangor 2024 Agricultural Census Interim Report's findings that the majority of farmers in the state are now aged 46 and above.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amirudin stated that beyond offering promising high returns, the agricultural sector must be perceived as an attractive activity from the perspective of young people. He noted that there was once a trend of young people, including engineers, getting involved in agriculture, but it did not continue. He emphasized the need to make agriculture appealing as an activity that brings high yields or returns.

Amirudin made these remarks to reporters after launching the Selangor 2024 Agricultural Census Interim Report. Present at the event was Chief Statistician of Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, who is also the Commissioner of the 2024 Agricultural Census. Earlier, the Selangor Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) issued a media statement revealing that 77.3 percent of agricultural entrepreneurs in Selangor are aged 46 and above, with 44.5 percent aged 60 and above.

Amirudin further commented that the policy to encourage young people to become farmers is expected to be included in the state budget or the upcoming Selangor Plan. He added that the findings of the agricultural census would be reviewed by Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim, the Selangor Agriculture Department, and related departments to improve policies or guidelines concerning the sector.

In a separate matter, Amirudin mentioned that the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is the only local authority in Selangor postponing the implementation of the Smart Parking System (SIP) scheduled to begin on August 1. Meanwhile, the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), and Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) have agreed to implement the system. He explained that MBPJ is still examining the relevant mechanisms, so the implementation will start with the local authorities that have given their consent.