Pahang: Pahang has emerged as the second-highest contributor to Malaysia's agriculture sales value, amassing a total of RM25.12 billion in 2023, thus reinforcing its status as a significant player in the national agricultural landscape.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin highlighted that the crop subsector was the primary contributor with RM22.11 billion, accounting for 88.0 percent of the total sales. This was followed by livestock contributing RM1.21 billion (4.8 percent), fishery at RM0.91 billion (3.6 percent), forestry and logging at RM0.56 billion (2.2 percent), and aquaculture at RM0.33 billion (1.3 percent).
Dr Mohd Uzir noted during a media conference at the launch of the Pahang Agriculture Census Interim Report 2024 that Cameron Highlands leads vegetable production in Malaysia with a sales value of RM3.60 billion. Additionally, Pahang is the main producer of oil palm in Peninsular Malaysia, with sales reaching RM14.18 billion, particularly in the districts of Rompin, Pekan, and Bera.
As the Agriculture Census 2024 commissioner, Dr Mohd Uzir expressed support for state government efforts to align the agriculture sector with the strategies outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). He emphasized the importance of focusing on this high-value sector as a national priority and assured continued support from the Department of Statistics Malaysia and other related agencies by providing data to expedite development processes.
He further explained that accurate data would help reduce market uncertainties and stabilize prices, enhancing the management of the agriculture sector. The Pahang Agriculture Interim Census 2024 is expected to assist the state government in evaluating the sector's effectiveness and impact.
State Agriculture, Agro-Industries, Biotechnology, and Education Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sofi Abd Razak remarked that the proactive collaboration between state and federal governments reflects Pahang's commitment to sustaining agricultural projects. He assured that land-related issues would not hinder the implementation of these initiatives.