Kuala lumpur: All states should work together, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in formulating a new mechanism to reduce dependence on imported food supplies, said Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim. He emphasized that Selangor could not meet the demand alone without cooperation from other states with diverse resources.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Izham highlighted the challenges faced by Selangor, once a leader in the agro-based sector, in catering to the needs of nine million people in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. He noted the importance of collaboration among states to strengthen the national food chain through modernisation and high-value agriculture. He stated that a sustainable framework developed by each state would enhance the country's food supply security, reducing reliance on imports.

Izham acknowledged the unique challenges each state faces, especially in urban areas where high costs and land constraints make boosting domestic food supply difficult. He advised states to adopt modern, high-value agricultural methods, which can double food production compared to conventional practices. Techniques like hydroponics, he explained, can yield up to three times more than traditional farming methods, transforming small plots of land into high-yield areas.

He further stressed the importance of integrating technology in production, seeding, marketing, and storage to streamline processes and cut costs. Izham pointed out that Malaysia currently spends RM7.5 billion on importing vegetables and fruits that could be locally produced.

The remarks were made during the Selangor AgroFest (SAF) 2025, which Izham officiated. The event features 160 agricultural and agro-food stalls, aiming to generate sales transactions worth RM500,000 over its four-day duration. It will also celebrate 10 agripreneurs as Selangor Agro Icons 2024/2025, each receiving prizes worth RM10,000.