KPKM and TM partner to boost agrofood digital transformation
The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), aims to integrate smart technologies, research, and training to modernise the industry.
The MoC was exchanged between KPKM secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak and TM Government Business vice-president Mohamed Faisal Naina Mohamed, witnessed by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The partnership aligns with KPKM's goal to enhance sustainability and efficiency in agro-food production.
'This collaboration covers digital transformation consultations, advanced technology training, and joint programmes like workshops and symposiums,' said KPKM in a statement.
The initiative supports the National Agrofood Policy 2021–2030, focusing on innovation to strengthen food security.
Additionally, KPKM introduced a specialised competency certification for private agricultural drone operators.
Developed with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), the Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency – Agriculture Light (RCoC-AL) syllabus aims to expand drone usage in farming.
KPKM also unveiled three key initiatives: the Agro-Food Mechanisation and Automation (M&A) Programme, distributing RM2.2 million to Sabah agencies, the Digital AgTech system in partnership with MDEC (with 700+ installations nationwide), and the RM30 million Agrofood Value Chain Modernisation Programme (PMRNA) for Bumiputera agri-entrepreneurs.
PMRNA offers loans up to RM1 million at 3% interest over 10 years, promoting agrotech adoption, including IoT, AI, and green technology. These efforts aim to boost productivity and sustainability in Malaysia's agro-food sector. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
KPKM and TM partner to boost agrofood digital transformation
KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has partnered with TM Technology Services Sdn Bhd (TM) to accelerate digital transformation in Malaysia's agro-food sector. The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), aims to integrate smart technologies, research, and training to modernise the industry. The MoC was exchanged between KPKM secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak and TM Government Business vice-president Mohamed Faisal Naina Mohamed, witnessed by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. The partnership aligns with KPKM's goal to enhance sustainability and efficiency in agro-food production. 'This collaboration covers digital transformation consultations, advanced technology training, and joint programmes like workshops and symposiums,' said KPKM in a statement. The initiative supports the National Agrofood Policy 2021–2030, focusing on innovation to strengthen food security. Additionally, KPKM introduced a specialised competency certification for private agricultural drone operators. Developed with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), the Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency – Agriculture Light (RCoC-AL) syllabus aims to expand drone usage in farming. KPKM also unveiled three key initiatives: the Agro-Food Mechanisation and Automation (M&A) Programme, distributing RM2.2 million to Sabah agencies, the Digital AgTech system in partnership with MDEC (with 700+ installations nationwide), and the RM30 million Agrofood Value Chain Modernisation Programme (PMRNA) for Bumiputera agri-entrepreneurs. PMRNA offers loans up to RM1 million at 3% interest over 10 years, promoting agrotech adoption, including IoT, AI, and green technology. These efforts aim to boost productivity and sustainability in Malaysia's agro-food sector. - Bernama
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Daily Express
Sabah can lead in push for ‘slow food'
Published on: Sunday, August 03, 2025 Published on: Sun, Aug 03, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Arthur (4th right) and others after officiating the pre-launch of HPPNK 2025. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has the potential to take the lead in driving Malaysia's slow food movement and sustainable agriculture, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. Speaking at the soft launch of the 'Slow Food' concept held in conjunction with Hari Peladang, Penternak dan Nelayan Kebangsaan (HPPNK) on Friday, he said the 'slow food' idea, although new in terminology to many, is already deeply rooted in Sabah's way of life — particularly in rural communities where food is still grown and consumed locally. 'In Sabah, you go to the rural areas — we still eat rice that was planted by the same village we come from. We eat fish and vegetables that were grown in our own backyards. Less than a 10km radius,' Arthur said at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). Arthur explained that the concept promotes more than just healthy eating — it represents a return to nutritional value, local produce, and self-reliant food systems. 'We may understand the perception that fast food, although cheap, often involves processed meals and is less healthy. 'Slow food, on the other hand, champions nutritious, valuable meals sourced locally. If we look at the lifestyle that has long been practised — especially in villages — this concept actually existed since the time of our ancestors. 'However, with industrialisation, urbanisation, and the need to live at a faster pace, we may have sacrificed healthier eating and living habits. This concept fights to restore that. So, as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, we fully support this agenda,' he said. Arthur raised the organisers, Opulence Exhibition Services and MyFood, for choosing Kota Kinabalu as the launch venue. 'First of all, I'd like to send a huge congratulations to Opulence for their success for having this soft launching which we are witnessing today,' he said. 'We thank Opulence once again for choosing HPPNK as the location for this soft launch, and we look forward to joining you at KLCC in May 2026.' Arthur also reflected on the lessons from the Covid-19 lockdowns, where many urban Malaysians were confined to small flats, unable to access fresh air or food. This sparked a renewed appreciation for rural life and traditional food systems. 'People began to realise it wasn't so bad living in their home after all. If they had stayed, they could still fish, pluck durians, or grow vegetables. That mindset shift is what we now want to support and sustain,' he said. He warned that Malaysia's heavy dependence on food imports — including more than 40 per cent of its rice — is unsustainable. 'During Covid, neighbouring countries stopped exporting rice to us. That was a wake-up call. We cannot continue relying on food imports,' he said. In 2023 alone, Malaysia recorded a RM40 billion agro-food trade deficit, importing RM93 billion worth of food and exporting only RM54 billion. 'Food security is a shared responsibility — and we need everyone, including the private sector, to come together,' he stressed. He added that under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), RM29 million had been allocated to the agency Parma to carry out 'Rantai' — a national programme to improve supply chain efficiency from planting to marketing and export. 'With the right technology and innovation, we can go beyond the 10km radius. Who knows, maybe our friends in Peninsular Malaysia can soon enjoy Sabah's avocados, tarap and more,' he said. My Food 2026, is Malaysia's most prestigious and sustainability driven food and beverage (F&B) exhibition, was officially pre-launched. The launching would take place at on May 7 to 9, 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), concurrently with the International Cafe and Beverage Show 2026 (ICBS 2026). The pre-launch also marked the opening of participation to food entrepreneurs, local producers, agropreneurs, the slow food community, and food innovators from across the country, particularly from Sabah and Sarawak. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Daily Express
RM13 million agreements to develop the agri sector
Published on: Sunday, August 03, 2025 Published on: Sun, Aug 03, 2025 Text Size: Arthur (centre) with signatories involved in the signing of agreements. KOTA KINABALU: A total of RM13 million in agreements were sealed through three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in an effort to develop the agriculture sector and enhance the country's food security. The MoUs were signed between the Keningau Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK Keningau) and Absolute Moringa Sdn Bhd (AM), the Farmers' Organisation Authority (LPP) and Desa Keningau Livestock Industries Sdn Bhd (DKLI), and between LPP and Sawit Kinabalu Farm Products Sdn Bhd (SKFP). Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, said the first agreement, worth RM10 million, involves collaboration between PPK Keningau and AM in marketing and distributing agricultural inputs to empower the business and supply services of farmers' organisations for both members and non-members in Sabah. The second agreement, valued at RM3 million, was signed between LPP and DKLI to carry out a corn grain planting project, aimed at boosting local corn production through a corporate approach and technology transfer. 'I was informed the project will begin soon. It has long-term impact, particularly in reducing our dependency on imported corn grain used as livestock feed, which would indirectly increase supply and lower farming costs. 'The third MoU between LPP and SKFP involves technical cooperation for the implementation of an integrated oil palm-cattle breeding project. 'Although the project has no monetary value, it serves to optimise land use for integrated livestock farming under several high-impact initiatives,' he said after the MoU ceremony involving LPP in conjunction with the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day celebration. Arthur said the collaborations are expected to bring significant benefits, especially to local communities. 'These high-impact projects reflect strong cooperation between the Government and private sector in driving agricultural growth and enhancing food security. 'At the same time, by increasing the production of resources like corn grain, we can reduce import dependency, improve economic outcomes and make livestock farming more accessible and cost-effective for local farmers,' he added. He said the Government-private sector partnerships are important to ensure that the economic spillover reaches nearby communities. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
