Kuala lumpur: Strengthening sustainable soil management is a core government priority for tackling the challenges of urbanisation and climate change, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup. He emphasised that soil is a strategic asset, as such protecting it is essential for the future of the agri-food sector and the long-term health of the nation's ecosystem.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kurup stated that soil plays a vital role in urban ecosystems through microclimate regulation, water source filtration, carbon storage, and community-scale food production. He highlighted that although Malaysia is not an arid country, it is not immune to land degradation and drought, which underscores the importance of sustainable soil management in national agri-food policies.

The government has allocated RM100 million in Budget 2026 to restore degraded padi land and an additional RM20 million to supply foliar fertilisers and soil enhancers, benefiting 6,400 farmers nationwide. KPKM is committed to integrating sustainable soil management into all agricultural policies to ensure soil remains a fertile resource, not a barren legacy.

Themed 'Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities', World Soil Day, celebrated annually on December 5, serves as a significant platform to raise awareness about the importance of healthy soil for human life, climate stability, and food security.