Johor launches Malaysia's largest high-tech vertical farm
The RM40 million project is a collaboration between FarmByte Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Johor Corporation (JCorp), and Singapore-based agri-tech firm Archisen Pte Ltd.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi described the facility as a strategic development within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Located at Nusajaya Industrial Park, the farm began construction in 2023 and is now fully operational, producing crops such as ice plant salad.
'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,' Onn Hafiz said during the launch ceremony.
The facility integrates large-scale infrastructure with smart farming systems, enabling year-round production of high-quality leafy greens.
Using controlled environment agriculture (CEA) technology, the farm operates without pesticides and is unaffected by weather conditions.
With an estimated annual yield of 306,000 kilogrammes, the farm aligns with Malaysia's National Food Security Policy Action Plan and Singapore's '30 by 30' initiative, which aims to produce 30 per cent of its nutritional needs locally by 2030.
FarmByte and Archisen are in discussions with other companies to expand operations and develop a regional vertical farming network.
'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,' Onn Hafiz added.
Key figures present at the launch included 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. – Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
9 hours 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
The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Sunday (July 6, 2025)
Malaysia: * Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone set to transform all 10 Johor districts, says Onn Hafiz * Preacher arrested by cops over sex videos stripped of credentials in 2022, says MAIS * Anwar to meet Modi on sidelines of BRICS summit * Wife of man killed in Kedah shootout nabbed, gun found in house * Father and son killed in motorcycle crash with four-wheel drive in Tangkak * Potential RM4bil investments from Anwar's visit to France, says Zafrul * Another suspected gang member killed in shootout with cops in Kedah * Selangor lawmakers to receive briefing on Putra Heights gas explosion * Umno to take legal action against those defaming its leaders * Commando dies during military diving exercise off Kuantan coast * Licences of GDL, PSV vehicle drivers involved in crashes suspended pending investigations, JPJ says * Teacher accused of molesting 16-year-old student with disability * Malaysian devotional music group Inteam makes an impact in Algeria music festival * Bursa Malaysia seen trading range-bound with upside bias this week * Ringgit expected to trade within a narrow band of RM4.22 to RM4.23 against the greenback throughout the week * Term for Sabah assembly starts on first day of sitting, automatic dissolution on Nov 11, says Speaker * Perikatan HQ operations unaffected by lease expiry, operating out of temporary premises, says Azmin (L to R) Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, China's Premier Li Qiang, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pose for a family photo during the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday, July 6, 2025. BRICS leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday are expected to decry US President Donald Trump's indiscriminate trade tariffs, saying they are illegal and risk hurting the global economy. -- Photo by Pablo PORCIUNCULA / AFP Singapore: * Red Lions and naval divers join forces for Jump of Unity at Singapore's NDP 2025 * Malaysia's JPJ issues RM57,000 in summonses following VEP enforcement at Johor-Singapore border * Woman on Singapore's SMRT bus 190 injured after bottle thrown at vehicle leaves hole in window * Singapore's ministry of health studying 18 proposals to integrate TCM into public healthcare * Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone set to transform all 10 Johor districts, says Onn Hafiz * High Court in Singapore orders Instagram seller to pay Louis Vuitton S$200,000 in damages over counterfeit goods * Tank collides into traffic light during Singapore's National Day Parade preview show * Global financial institutions fined for money laundering breaches in Singapore Indonesia: * Brazil opens BRICS summit in Rio, leaders of growing bloc however, gather, without Xi or Putin * Three dead, one missing and eight injured following landslides in Indonesia's West Java * 'We will not stop': Transport ministers says Indonesia vows to find 29 missing after ferry sinks * Bali continues agriculture push on shaky ground * No new missing victims found as search continues for sunken ferry in Indonesia's Bali Strait * Multiculturalism a strength for countries, but needs trust to flourish: Experts People take photos of the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. -- REUTERS/Edgar Su Thailand: * Paetongtarn, Thaksin, and Srettha to present Thai soft power visions at 2025 forum * Most Thais believe Hun Sen has ulterior motives, unjustifiably predicts change of Thai PM * Thai Foreign Ministry urges Cambodia to return to bilateral border talks * Monsoon brings widespread rain to Thailand; Bangkok faces 70% storm risk * Thailand: Birthday bash for Moo Deng as she turns one Philippines: * Two earthquakes detected at the Philippines' Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours * Philippine Airlines launches direct Manila–Da Nang route * Kanlaon Volcano's unrest affects over 94,000 individuals – Department of Social Welfare and Development * ICC junks former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte's plea to disqualify two of judges hearing his case * HIV surge in the Philippines amid poor sex education, policy gaps Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva meets with Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (left), ahead of the BRICS Presidential summit, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. -- Photo: REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes Vietnam: * US trade partners race for deals as Trump readies tariff notices on Monday (July 7) * Foreign visitors to Vietnam near 10.7 million in H1, half of full-year target * Two Asians among five richest self-made women in 2025; the women have a combined wealth of over US$95bil * Vietnamese Prime Minister pays floral tribute to President Ho Chi Minh in Brazil * Vietnam's laid-off communist officials face uncertain future Myanmar: * BRICS leaders to call for data protections against unauthorized AI use * Myanmar rejects UN report on child soldiers and ill-treatment of minors * China, Myanmar and Thailand join hands to eradicate telecom fraud networks * Thai authorities arrest 36 undocumented Myanmar nationals in Pha Phon Township, Thailand This photo shows a general view of US aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) moored at Manila Bay in Manila. The nuclear-powered US carrier George Washington arrived off the Philippine capital for a port visit, as the two allies increase defence cooperation aimed at contesting China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea. -- Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP Cambodia: * BRICS nations voice 'serious concerns' over Trump tariffs * Opinion - Borders etched in ink: The 2000 MoU and Cambodia's irrefutable sovereignty * Two Poipet scam gang members arrested, defrauding victims of 300 million baht * Opinion - Sovereignty under threat: Thai Army's repeated provocations at Cambodia's border must end Laos: * Laos FM to attend the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' meeting in KL * Lao central bank issues a warning on fake banknotes in circulation near the capital city * Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia plan tripartite disaster relief operation Brunei: * Three Bruneian women entrepreneurs depart for China-Asean TVET faculty training * Brunei to sponsor travel for Super League teams in upcoming season * Residents in Brunei's Kampong Panaga spruce up footpath China's Finance Minister Lan Fo'an (left) and Brazil's Economy Minister Fernando Haddad pose for a picture next to China's Premier Li Qiang and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva after signing a bilateral agreement, in the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. BRICS leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro from Sunday (July 7) are expected to decry Donald Trump's hardline trade policies, but are struggling to bridge divides over crises roiling the Middle East. -- Photo by Pablo PORCIUNCULA / AFP Aseanplus: * Malaysian devotional music group Inteam makes an impact in Algeria music festival * Meet Malaysia's latest pop yeh-yeh group LEV, group of three unleashes Malaysia's own-styled song in "Aku Bukan Bosan" * Ejen Ali 2: Hit movie scores big in Indonesia as versatile actor Azman Zulkiply continues to shine as voice actor * Man injured in suspected Golden Cat attack in Kuala Pilah * Global players eye Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting * New push to fortify M'sia's borders amid rising security concerns * Talks on participation in nuclear weapon-free zone treaty showing progress, says Wisma Putra * More countries want to be part of South-East Asia's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation * BRICS 2025: Anwar calls for fairer global order, says Global South now a key player * BRICS a new frontier for Malaysian businesses, says Anwar / Joining hands for global resilience * Dalai Lama turns 90 and vows to keep defying China for years * Teenager stabbed in suspected machete attack in Sydney * Meta's AI lab is stacked with Chinese talent, drawing attention back home * South Korea to begin cash handouts to all citizens July 21 * Four killed in India's Ramgarh coal mine collapse * Death toll in Pakistan building collapse rises to 21 * Woman flown to hospital after lion attack at Australian zoo * Man charged with setting fire to synagogue in Australia * Japan govt shakes off doomsday talk as quakes rattle nation * Hiroshima teens relay atom bomb horror with art series * Seoul pulls out all stops for deal as US tariff suspension nears end * British tourist who fell into gorge rescued by police in Ladakh, India * Japan PM says won't 'easily compromise' to Trump on tariffs * China's EV price war dashes profit hopes of 90% of brands, AlixPartners says * China delivery rider graduated from top schools like Oxford inspires others to stay positive * Typhoon Danas: T1 signal to stay until Sunday (July 6) noon, says Hong Kong Observatory * Hong Kong restaurant Super Star closes last branch, leaving 50 workers in limbo * Foreigners may have to pay lump sum for health insurance in some parts of Japan * Japan tariff negotiator held in-depth talks with Lutnick, Japanese government says * Musk announces forming of 'America Party' in further break from Trump * South Korea prosecutors file request to detain ex-president Yoon / South Korea passes extra Budget before tariff deadline * The Great Inflatable Dome of China: 50m-high bubble blocks dust and noise from construction site * Cricket - 'Prince' Gill joins elite with 430-run haul at Edgbaston * Tennis - Djokovic hits century to lead veterans into last 16, Krejcikova crashes * Athletics - India's javelin hero Chopra leverages star power as crowds flock to self-titled event
Barnama
11 hours ago
- Barnama
Johor Unveils Malaysia's Largest High-Tech Vertical Farm
REGION - SOUTHERN > NEWS 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.
