Johor Unveils Malaysia's Largest High-Tech Vertical Farm
ISKANDAR PUTERI, July 7 (Bernama) -- Johor has launched the country's largest high-tech vertical farming facility, spanning over 50,000 square feet, to cultivate leafy vegetables using advanced agrotechnology.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the RM40 million project is a strategic joint venture between FarmByte Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Johor Corporation (JCorp), and Singapore-based agri-tech company Archisen Pte Ltd.
He said the facility, which grows produce such as ice plant salad, is located in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Construction began in 2023, and the farm is now fully operational at Nusajaya Industrial Park here.
bootstrap slideshow
'This is a historic milestone for Johor, Malaysia, and Singapore. What began as a pioneering idea two years ago has now become a reality.
'This isn't just an agricultural project - it is a new ecosystem that strengthens regional food security,' he told reporters after the launch ceremony today.
Also present were Archisen director Vincent Wei, JCorp chairman Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, and State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han.
Onn Hafiz said the project has attracted interest from various agricultural industry players from both Malaysia and Singapore, who are exploring future collaborations.
He noted that FarmByte and Archisen are in talks with several other companies to expand operations and build a robust regional ecosystem for vertical farming.
'They aim to scale up operations and establish a comprehensive farming network. We hope this will be realised soon, with strong support from all stakeholders,' he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
44 minutes ago
- Barnama
More ASEAN Foreign Ministers Arrive In KL Ahead Of 58th AMM
GENERAL Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and his spouse Kokan Sangiampongsa arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), marking the beginning of ministerial-level arrivals for the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, from July 8 to 11. Laos Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, arrives at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), marking the beginning of ministerial-level arrivals for the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Timor-Leste's Foreign Minister, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, arrives at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), marking the beginning of ministerial-level arrivals for the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. SEPANG, July 7 (Bernama) -- ASEAN leaders continued to arrive in the Malaysian capital on Sunday evening ahead of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, with delegations from Timor-Leste and Laos among the latest to touch down at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Timor-Leste's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, landed at the Bunga Raya Complex at 7.30 pm, while Laos' Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane arrived at 8.08 pm. Earlier, Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma Theresa P. Lazaro touched down at 5.10 pm, followed by Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bui Thanh Son, and his wife Vu Thi Bich Ngoc, who arrived at 5.35 pm. Thailand Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and his wife Kokan Sangiampongsa landed at 8 pm. The 58th AMM and related meetings, a key annual event in the ASEAN calendar, will be hosted by Malaysia under its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme, 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. The highly anticipated gathering will see one of the largest assemblies of foreign ministers and high-ranking diplomats from around the world to discuss pressing global and regional issues, foster cooperation and advance the agenda of security and sustainability in ASEAN. Over 40 foreign ministers and representatives from international organisations are scheduled to attend a series of ASEAN-led meetings at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11. All foreign ministers of ASEAN member states will be present, except for Myanmar, which will be represented by a senior official from its foreign ministry. The Foreign Minister from Timor-Leste will be participating as an observer. This marks the fifth time Malaysia is chairing ASEAN, having previously held the chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
CPO Futures End Higher On Tighter Supply Outlook
Palm oil trader David Ng said traders expect production in Malaysia to ease in the coming weeks, lending support to prices. KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- The crude palm oil (CPO) futures contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended higher today, supported by expectations of weaker production. 'Seasonal factors and weather conditions are likely to slow down harvesting, leading to a tighter supply outlook for Malaysian palm oil,' he told Bernama. He said stronger export performance is also supporting prices as firm demand from key buyers helps absorb supply. 'We see support at RM4,000 per tonne and resistance at RM4,150,' he said.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
EU nations push for softer deforestation rules amid trade concerns
BRUSSELS: Most European Union countries are pushing for further revisions to the bloc's landmark anti-deforestation law, arguing that current requirements place undue burdens on producers and risk harming trade competitiveness. A letter obtained by Reuters reveals that 18 EU agriculture ministers have urged the European Commission to exempt low-risk nations from strict due diligence rules. The law, set to take effect in December, mandates that companies importing soy, beef, palm oil, and other commodities into the EU must prove their products did not contribute to deforestation. Forests play a crucial role in absorbing CO2, and their destruction accelerates climate change. However, political resistance has grown as governments weigh economic costs against environmental benefits. The EU has already delayed the policy's implementation by a year and eased reporting obligations following backlash from trading partners, including the U.S., and some member states. The latest push seeks additional concessions, particularly for countries where agricultural expansion does not significantly reduce forest cover. 'Excessive and redundant due diligence requirements should be removed in countries where agricultural expansion is not significantly reducing the forest area,' the letter stated. Signatories include Austria, Finland, Italy, Poland, and Sweden, among others. Another concern is the law's impact on EU-based producers, who fear losing competitiveness if forced to comply with stringent traceability rules. The ministers warned that some commodities may face 'extremely difficult, if not impossible' compliance hurdles, potentially driving businesses to relocate outside the bloc. The group also suggested another delay in enforcement while the Commission works on simplifying regulations. A Commission spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The deforestation law aims to curb the 10% of global forest loss tied to EU consumption. Critics argue that without balanced enforcement, the policy could harm farmers and disrupt supply chains without delivering meaningful environmental gains. - Reuters
