Modern agriculture can help mitigate trade war threats, says academic
The government allocated RM6.42 billion to the agriculture and food security ministry in Budget 2025 to implement various policies, especially to boost productivity.
PETALING JAYA : Modern, large-scale farming and investment in research can cushion the impact of a trade war on national food security, according to an academic.
Norsida Man said the threat of higher tariffs by US president Donald Trump, and its impact on other countries, could reduce global agricultural trade.
The Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) lecturer said such developments could have a negative bearing on Malaysia as it is a food-importing country with a low self-sufficiency level.
'The savings from targeted fuel subsidies could potentially be redirected to the agricultural sector to boost production and reduce food imports, thereby minimising food security risks caused by trade wars and other threats.
'This proposal could be considered provided the allocation is used appropriately and based on priority,' she told FMT.
Another academic, Christopher Teh, highlighted the importance of investing more in the modernisation of agriculture, especially through the use of latest technologies and machinery incorporating artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
He said modern agriculture should also involve the use of fertilisers and seeds that can increase yields.
'More food processing centres, post-harvest facilities, collection and distribution hubs, and cold chain systems should also be developed to reduce food waste.
'This is because one-third of Malaysia's agricultural produce is lost due to weak logistics,' said the UPM lecturer, who also suggested that all agencies collaborate to expand markets.
Teh also said Malaysia, which chairs Asean this year, could diversify import sources among member countries.
He hoped to see Budget 2026 provide research centres and higher education institutions with sufficient allocations to develop more climate-resilient crop and livestock varieties.
He said research and development should also cover sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
The government allocated RM6.42 billion to the agriculture and food security ministry in Budget 2025 to implement various policies, with a focus on boosting productivity.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
27 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Asean leaders to deliberate Pakistan's bid for full dialogue partner status, says Anwar
PUTRAJAYA, June 7 — Pakistan's bid to become a full dialogue partner with Asean will be discussed with leaders of the regional grouping, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'It will be brought up for discussion at the Asean leaders' conference,' he told reporters briefly after performing the Aidiladha prayers at the Putra Mosque here today. He said this when asked to comment on Pakistan's renewed efforts to elevate its partnership status with Asean. Yesterday, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Malaysia Syed Ahsan Raza Shah reportedly said that Islamabad is renewing its push to become a full dialogue partner, reflecting the country's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and deepening engagement with the bloc. Pakistan, which became Asean's first sectoral dialogue partner in 1993, has consistently valued its cooperation with the regional grouping and aims to further expand those ties. In October last year, Anwar was quoted as saying that Malaysia fully supported Pakistan's efforts to become a full dialogue partner of Asean. Meanwhile, when asked about Pakistan welcoming his offer to mediate in the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, Anwar said Malaysia only hopes for a peaceful resolution. 'I have no role to play, I'm simply offering my opinion,' he said. Earlier, Anwar and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, performed the Aidiladha prayers alongside nearly 15,000 congregants at the Putra Mosque. Anwar, dressed in a light blue baju Melayu, arrived at 7.50 am and was greeted by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Dr Zulkifli Hasan. The Prime Minister also joined the congregation reciting the takbir raya before performing the Aidiladha prayers, led by the Grand Imam of the Putra Mosque Dr Muhamad Zakuwa Rodzali. He then listened to the Aidiladha sermon titled 'Korban dan Semangat Kebersamaan', which emphasised the importance of intention, proper conduct, and sincerity in performing the sacrificial ritual. Before departing, Anwar took time to mingle and shake hands with members of the congregation. — Bernama
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
PM: Malaysia seeks stronger, united Asean-GCC push to end Gaza atrocities
PUTRAJAYA, June 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for stronger cooperation between Asean countries and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to end Israel's atrocities in Gaza. Speaking to reporters after performing Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Putra here today, Anwar said that regional and international collective efforts are crucial to ending the prolonged conflict and the suffering of the Palestinian people. 'We've conveyed our stance (through a Wisma Putra statement), but this cannot be the effort of just one country. As we saw in recent engagements with Gulf nations, there is a shared consensus. 'So Asean, the Gulf states, and a few other countries can come together to provide a clear message and exert strong pressure on the world to put a stop to it (Israel's brutality),' he said. He was responding to the United States' use of its veto power on a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid. — Bernama
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Anwar says Malaysia supports Thai-Cambodia peace talks on June 14, offers to help de-escalate tensions
PUTRAJAYA, June 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today Malaysia is prepared to help Thailand and Cambodia reach a peaceful solution amid tension along the two countries' borders. Malaysia currently chairs the ten-member Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean), and Anwar held talks last night with the prime ministers of both countries as he sought to de-escalate the dispute, which reportedly caused one fatality. 'I have spoken to both of them and they've taken steps that we support, that includes dialogue at a meeting on June 14,' he told reporters after performing the Aidiladha prayers here. 'We are ready to observe and help if necessary, but so far, both nations have agreed to talk.' Thai and Cambodian troops were reported to have engaged in a brief skirmish in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province and Cambodia's Preah Vihear province on May 28, which killed one Cambodian soldier. Phnom Penh said it plans to bring the matter to the International Court of Justice, while Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra yesterday expressed willingness to solve the dispute peacefully.
