Modern agriculture can help mitigate trade war threats, says academic
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
Free Malaysia Today
43 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Safeguard constitution to ensure nation's wellbeing, says Tengku Maimun
Former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat warned that the erosion of constitutional boundaries will have consequences that extend beyond the realm of legal doctrine. KUALA LUMPUR : Constitutional adherence plays a critical role in shaping perceptions of Malaysia as a secure and stable environment for economic activity, former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said today. Speaking at a lecture here, Tengku Maimun said there was an intrinsic connection between strong constitutional governance and the broader stability and wellbeing of a nation. Adding that the Federal Constitution clearly defines the roles and limits of each branch of government, she warned that when constitutional boundaries are eroded – whether through legislative overreach, executive interference or the weakening of institutional safeguards – the consequences extend far beyond the realm of legal doctrine. 'They strike at the heart of our constitutional order, which upholds the rule of law, separation of powers and, ultimately, legitimacy of public authority,' she said. 'Investors, businesses and financial institutions base their long-term investments and economic planning on expectations of legal certainty, impartial adjudication and the protection of property and contractual rights. 'A judiciary that is independent and consistent in applying the law reinforces these expectations. Conversely, when laws are applied inconsistently or when institutions appear vulnerable to external pressure, investors' confidence is undermined.' She was speaking at the Allianz Centre for Governance's Distinguished Speaker Series inaugural lecture titled 'The Sanctity of Malaysia's Federal Constitution: Threats, Solutions and Impact on National Governance'. Tengku Maimun said there would be less room for the arbitrary exercise of power when each branch of government operates within its prescribed limits and respects the institutional independence of the others. She said this, in turn, fosters public trust in the government and strengthens the credibility of public institutions. 'When this constitutional framework is disrupted, when one branch seeks to dominate or silence another, the rule of law is placed at risk,' she said. 'In such moments, the judiciary is not merely permitted but obligated to act in accordance with the solemn oath to protect, preserve and defend the Federal Constitution.' Tengku Maimun served as the country's top judge from May 2019 to July 1 this year.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Feasilibity study on nuclear energy to include small modular reactors
PETALING JAYA: The government will conduct a feasibility study on nuclear energy, including small modular reactors (SMR), to assess its potential as a stable base-load power source for regions where renewable deployment faces unique challenges. Depuyy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said this study will evaluate waste management strategies to ensure nuclear energy is integrated responsibly into Malaysia's sustainable energy ecosystem. 'We are assessing existing technologies in terms of safety, safeguards, and security to determine what is best for Malaysia. Public engagement and acceptance are critical, as only with their support can this nuclear energy initiative move forward. 'Encouragingly, industry feedback has been very positive, with many urging us to accelerate the nuclear energy process,' he told reporters at the International Green Build Conference 2025 ( (IGBC 2025) today. Fadillah said from a regulatory perspective, the government's focus extends beyond compliance to building the right human capital. This involves not only developing technological expertise but also strengthening enforcement capabilities, which must be seen as a priority, he added. 'Of course, there are international commitments to consider. Malaysia must align with 18 international treaties and agreements – including several with the United States – before we can finalise a decision on nuclear energy. 'Only then can we determine whether nuclear energy will become part of our future energy mix,' Fadillah said. Touching on Sabah's energy demand and nuclear energy potential, Fadillah said the government must assess the preconditions. 'In Sabah, energy resources are limited. The state does not have significant hydro or solar capacity, and while battery storage, biomass, and biogas can play a role, these sources are also limited. Therefore, we need to identify other firm energy options that can provide a reliable base load for Sabah and the wider region.' Fadillah said any decision must be based on meeting key preconditions. This includes securing public acceptance, ensuring regulatory frameworks are firmly established, and addressing all necessary requirements before moving forward. 'The final decision on the exact location for the SMR cannot be made until these preconditions are satisfied. Only after the base framework is finalised can we proceed with the Environmental Impact Assessment and confirm the certainty of location for the SMR,' he added. Apart from nuclear energy, Fadillah said, the government will launch the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2026-2035, a comprehensive strategy that will chart initiatives across all sectors to drive energy savings, encompassing both electrical and thermal energy measures. 'Our efforts are firmly anchored in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), which identifies sustainability and green growth as national priorities. RMK13 outlines specific targets, including increasing renewable energy share in the national mix to 35% by 2025, improving energy efficiency across all sectors, and promoting green building certifications such as GreenRE,' he added. Fadillah said the government recognises that green electricity is a key enabler of future economic growth and development. He nioted that the National Energy Transition Roadmap has set out a pathway to achieve 70% installed renewable energy capacity by 2050. This includes the accelerated deployment of large-scale solar projects, expansion of biomass and biogas utilisation, and exploration of emerging renewable technologies such as hydrogen. 'Petra (Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry) is committed to working hand in hand to create a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous Malaysia. Let us seize this opportunity to drive transformative change in the built environment and contribute to a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come,' Fadillah told IGBC 2025 delegates and participants.
Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Company wins right to revisit RM17mil land dispute case
Setiakon Engineering Sdn Bhd won its bid for a review of a RM17 million land dispute case after the Federal Court allowed its application under Rule 137 of the Federal Court Rules 1995. PUTRAJAYA : A company that bought a RM17 million plot of land in Mukim Batu, Kuala Lumpur, 10 years ago, has won the right for a review of a Federal Court ruling made last year on the grounds that it suffered procedural injustice. A five-member bench of the Federal Court chaired by Court of Appeal president Justice Abu Bakar Jais today unanimously allowed Setiakon Engineering Sdn Bhd's review application under Rule 137 of the Federal Court Rules 1995. Abu Bakar said the company had crossed the threshold required under the rule. Other judges on the panel were Chief Judge of Malaya Hasnah Hashim and Justices Zabariah Yusof, Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh and Lee Swee Seng. The ruling today set aside last year's 3-1 Federal Court majority decision in favour of Mak Yan Tai and her brother Mak Kum Phoi. A fresh panel will now rehear the appeal. Lawyer Cyrus Das, representing Setiakon, argued that the company was denied the right to tender rebuttal evidence, as the issue of fraud was raised for the first time at the apex court. Lawyer Winston PC Ng and John Foo assisted Das while Krishna Dallumah represented the siblings. The dispute began when the 0.87ha plot was initially registered under the name of the sibling's mother, Wong Soo, as security for a loan taken by Lim Moy. In 2014, Lim applied to the High Court for a declaration that she was the rightful owner of the land and that it should be transferred back to her from Wong, as the loan had been fully repaid. A default judgment was granted to Lim, resulting in the land being registered under her name. She later sold the land to Paragon Capacity Sdn Bhd for RM15 million. Paragon then sold it to Setiakon for RM17 million in 2015. The siblings succeeded in setting aside the default judgment in November 2017 after neither Lim nor her attorney appeared to contest the matter. The siblings then filed a fresh suit against Lim, Paragon and Setiakon in 2019. Only Setiakon defended the claim. The High Court ruled in favour of Setiakon as a bona fide subsequent purchaser under Section 340(3) of the National Land Code, but this was later overturned by the Court of Appeal. Setiakon then obtained leave to appeal to the Federal Court, but the apex court dismissed the appeal, resulting in the review application.
