Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) is strengthening its core food production sectors by implementing initiatives powered by digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). KPKM Agricultural Modernisation Division Secretary Azwa Affendi Bakhtiar said AI is being leveraged alongside advancements in genetic engineering to develop high-quality, resilient crop and livestock breeds.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) has successfully produced several new varieties, including locally cultivated onions and MS16 pineapples. In collaboration with strategic partners such as Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Aerodyne, KPKM is integrating the latest digital technologies, including AI, across its three primary sub-sectors: agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
Azwa Affendi Bakhtiar explained that AI adoption is expected to enhance the sustainability of the national food supply policy and support large-scale production at reduced costs. He noted that this initiative could further boost the agricultural sector's role as a key export contributor while enhancing its attractiveness to foreign investors.
The ministry's participation in the exhibition provides a platform to highlight the success of locally developed technologies and export-oriented agricultural products. This includes those from entrepreneurs under the guidance of the Farmers' Organisations Board, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), and other related agencies. Azwa Affendi expressed the aim to share with ASEAN counterparts how Malaysia is addressing food security challenges through home-grown technology.
The exhibition, themed 'The Heritech Malaysia'-a combination of heritage and technology-features 36 booths and 25 exhibitors from local companies and various industries. Open to the public until Sunday, the event includes live demonstrations of traditional handicrafts, as well as interactive digital displays and videos.
In addition to hosting the 46th ASEAN Summit under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', Kuala Lumpur will also host the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit next week.