![[UPDATED] Govt to boost domestic food production under 13th Malaysia Plan](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F_NIK_ABDULLAH_NIK_OMAR_1753940135.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
[UPDATED] Govt to boost domestic food production under 13th Malaysia Plan
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced this today during the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Anwar said the implementation of the five-season padi planting programme over two years would be expedited and expanded in key areas such as Mada (Kedah and Perlis), Kada (Kelantan), and integrated agricultural development areas in Selangor, Perak, and Penang.
"In addition, research, development, commercialisation, and innovation (RDCI) activities, and the adoption of smart agriculture will be intensified," he said.
Under the 13MP, more satellite farms will be established through collaboration between farmers, young agropreneurs, research institutions, and industry players.
Priority will be given to technology transfer, including the development of new crop varieties and farming techniques, the adoption of modern machinery through agri-food mechanisation and automation programmes, and more efficient land management.
"Food import sources will also be diversified to avoid over-reliance on any single country," Anwar said.
"At the same time, regulations governing food imports will be strengthened to ensure food safety and quality."
He added that to improve the overall food supply chain, the efficiency of collection, processing, grading, and distribution centres, as well as small- and medium-scale retail sectors, would be enhanced.
"There needs to be a shift in mindset, so that the public no longer sees agriculture as merely subsistence activity, but as a highly profitable economic opportunity," he said.
"All these efforts are expected to raise the agri-food subsector's value-added contribution to RM58 billion by 2030."
The five-year 13MP, covering the period from 2026 to 2030, provides a strategic framework for the country's economic, social, and environmental priorities.
The plan comes as Malaysia navigates an increasingly complex global environment and embarks on an ambitious domestic reform agenda.
It will also serve as a k ey policy platform for the unity government, which has anchored much of its governance on the principles of the Madani Economy.
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