Latest news with #AgricultureandFoodSecurity
The Star
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Saudi Arabia invites Malaysia to collaborate on Riyadh Expo 2030
OSAKA: Malaysia has received an offer from the Saudi Arabian government to assist in organising Riyadh Expo 2030, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. The Deputy Prime Minister said the offer was made by Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Japan Dr Ghazi Faisal Binzagr during a visit to the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. "This is a significant opportunity for Malaysia to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia and demonstrate its standing on the world stage. "I will discuss with the Cabinet to explore the areas in which we can collaborate with them," he said after a dinner with Malaysian diaspora and students here Sunday (June 1). Also present were Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu; Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong; Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Malaysian Ambassador to Japan Datuk Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany. Fadillah explained that Malaysia has been invited to participate in the preparatory work, including technical and infrastructure aspects. He said Shahril Effendi will hold discussions with Binzagr soon on the matter. Fadillah is in Osaka to open the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 on Saturday. During his three-day visit, Fadillah emphasised the importance of long-term strategic partnerships between Malaysia and Japan, while highlighting new areas of cooperation aligned with regional sustainability, innovation and integration. According to him, Malaysia's participation in the expo also aligns with its role as Chair of Asean, positioning the Malaysia Pavilion as a key hub for regional engagement throughout the six-month global event. Fadillah's visit underscores Malaysia's commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial relations with Japan and the global community, particularly in sectors that drive resilience, innovation and shared prosperity. - Bernama
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Perak to expand onion cultivation to more districts
GOPENG: Perak will expand the cultivation of the BAW-1 red onion variety, also known as Bawang Perak, to several districts identified as suitable for the crop. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the districts include Kuala Kangsar, Muallim and Perak Tengah, in addition to Kampung Ladang Bikam in Sungkai, Batang Padang, which began planting the variety last year. 'We will open new areas that meet the criteria for onion cultivation, as it must be grown on fertile soil to produce high-quality yields. Bawang Perak is known for its sweet and flavourful taste, which adds to its market appeal. 'So far, four districts have been identified as suitable, and we will expand to several more,' he told reporters after launching the FAMA Fest 2025 @ Perak at the Rural Transformation Centre here today. Also present were Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup and State Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun. Saarani said a total of 12.4 metric tonnes of Bawang Perak was produced last year from a nine-hectare cultivation area. Earlier, in his speech, Arthur mentioned that the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has allocated an additional RM1.4 million this year to expand the cultivation of the variety. He said the commercial-scale production of Bawang Perak - the first of its kind in the country - was a significant milestone made possible through collaboration between the Perak Agriculture Department and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI).
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's agri-food sector secures international deals worth RM17 million
BANGKOK: Malaysian exhibitors have successfully inked two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth RM17 million at THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2025, Asia's leading food and beverage trade show. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the agreements, signed with partners from Thailand and the United States, reflect the growing international confidence in the quality and competitiveness of Malaysian products. "These agreements with partners from Thailand and the United States are not just business transactions - they are a testament to the world's growing confidence in Malaysian products. "Our entrepreneurs have proven that, with the right support, they can compete and excel on the global stage," he said after officiating the Malaysian Pavilion here on Friday. Mohamad on a four-day working visit to Thailand said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has been actively supporting local entrepreneurs through strategic initiatives, ensuring they meet global standards while maintaining the unique quality and authenticity of Malaysian products. "Our vision is clear: we want Malaysian products to become household names worldwide. "With the dedication of our farmers, food producers, and government agencies, I am confident that we will see even greater achievements in the years to come," he added. Mohamad also invited international buyers to explore Malaysia's diverse range of high-quality food products showcased at the pavilion. He said the strong performance at THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2025 underscores Malaysia's growing influence in the global food and beverage arena. Mohamad added that with continued government backing, aggressive promotional campaigns, and industry collaboration, Malaysia is poised to expand its footprint as a leading agri-food exporter in Southeast Asia and beyond. Meanwhile, the Counsellor at the Agriculture Counsellor Office, Shaiful Naszri Wahid, said Malaysian agri-food products are gaining recognition due to their compliance with stringent international standards, including halal certification, organic farming practices, and sustainable sourcing. "By using strategic trade platforms like Thailand, we can further elevate Malaysia's global visibility and build lasting trade partnerships across and beyond the region," he said. With 137 Malaysian exhibitors showcasing high-quality products, the Malaysia Pavilion became a focal point for international buyers during the trade show, which was held at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani from May 27 to 31.
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia's Agri-food Sector Secures International Deals Worth RM17 Million
WORLD By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock BANGKOK, May 31 (Bernama) -- Malaysian exhibitors have successfully inked two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth RM17 million at THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2025, Asia's leading food and beverage trade show. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the agreements, signed with partners from Thailand and the United States, reflect the growing international confidence in the quality and competitiveness of Malaysian products. "These agreements with partners from Thailand and the United States are not just business transactions - they are a testament to the world's growing confidence in Malaysian products. 'Our entrepreneurs have proven that, with the right support, they can compete and excel on the global stage," he said after officiating the Malaysian Pavilion here on Friday. Mohamad on a four-day working visit to Thailand said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has been actively supporting local entrepreneurs through strategic initiatives, ensuring they meet global standards while maintaining the unique quality and authenticity of Malaysian products. "Our vision is clear: we want Malaysian products to become household names worldwide. With the dedication of our farmers, food producers, and government agencies, I am confident that we will see even greater achievements in the years to come," he added. Mohamad also invited international buyers to explore Malaysia's diverse range of high-quality food products showcased at the pavilion. He said the strong performance at THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2025 underscores Malaysia's growing influence in the global food and beverage arena.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Census sets new benchmark for agricultural sector
KUALA LUMPUR: The findings from the 2024 Agriculture Census Interim Report are set to become a critical new benchmark for the development and transformation of Malaysia's agricultural sector. Statistics Department chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the insights — gathered through the nationwide census conducted from July 7 to Dec 31 last year, would provide vital input into several key national strategies — including the 13th Malaysia Plan, the National Agrofood Policy 2021–2030, the National Agricommodity Policy 2021–2030 and the National Food Security Policy Action Plan 2021–2025. "These findings are not merely statistical data; they reflect the real conditions, challenges and opportunities within the sector," he said after the launch of the 2024 Agriculture Census Interim Report on Thursday. Gracing the launch event was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the energy transition and water transformation minister. Also present were Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli. Among the key findings from the 2024 Agriculture Census, Uzir said, was that Malaysia recorded 1,030,020 agriculture holders, with a staggering 97.9 per cent (or 1,008,829) being individual agriculture holders. The remaining 21,191 operations are managed by establishments' agricultural holders. He said the data also indicates that 258,129 agriculture holders are involved in food crop cultivation, including padi, vegetables and fruits. At the same time, 623,365 individuals manage commercial crops such as oil palm and rubber. Additionally, 43,816 agriculture holders are engaged in livestock, 8,407 in aquaculture, 48,267 in fisheries and 7,930 in forestry and logging. In terms of age groups, the largest proportion of individual agricultural holdings is in the 60 years and over category, with 458,263 individuals (45.4 per cent), followed by those aged 46 to 59 years at 326,287 individuals (32.4 per cent). The 31 to 45 years age group accounts for 190,952 individuals (18.9 per cent) while the 15 to 30 years age group represent only 33,207 individuals (3.3 per cent). "The data highlights Malaysia's agricultural sector's strong dependence on older farmers, with 45.4 per cent of agricultural holders aged 60 and above, while only 142,888 youths aged 15 to 40 are active in the industry. "This situation poses serious challenges, such as labour shortages, a slow integration of modern technologies and the urgent need to revitalise the sector. "It is crucial to attract more young people to agricultural careers to safeguard the sector's future sustainability and the country's food security." Uzir said other key takeaways from the census is that establishment agriculture holders recorded much higher productivity than individual agriculture holders such as oil palm, pineapple and cocoa. "This shows the importance of economies of scale, the use of technology and more systematic governance. "Among the main challenges faced by individual agriculture holdings is the limited land area, especially land of less than 2.02ha. "This small land size has a significant impact on the effectiveness of agricultural activities, especially in terms of productivity and yield. "This not only affects farmers' income, but also has implications for the development of the country's agricultural sector as a whole." Uzir said the census also found potential in the cultivation of new crops such as kenaf, Napier and seaweed. Kenaf, for example, has a cultivated area of 1,497.0ha with a production of 9,916.1 tonnes, while Napier recorded a cultivated area of 1,387.7ha with a production of 35,687 tonnes. "These industries have great potential in terms of value added exports and production of downstream products, where the supply chain needs to be strengthened to drive the growth of this segment." Uzir said from the census, crop industries such as coffee, coconut and cocoa have shown a decline in terms of planted area, productivity and the number of active entrepreneurs. "However, the industry retains significant strategic value and can be revitalised through well-planned, modern and integrated approaches." Uzir added that engagement sessions will be organised with stakeholders to discuss the findings of the census. "These sessions serve as a platform to discuss agriculture issues including food security concerns. "It is hoped that all stakeholders including government agencies, research institutions, academia, industry players and farmers can utilise agricultural statistics to the fullest in making evidence-based decisions and contributing to the growth of a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector." During the event, the department also released 15 interim reports encompassing the Interim Report on Agriculture Sector, which presents statistics for the entire agricultural sector, followed by five subsectors; crops, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, as well as forestry and logging. The remaining 14 reports covered oil palm, rubber, padi, pineapple, kenaf, cocoa, pepper, fruits, vegetables and other crops. The reports covered six key parameters — agricultural holdings profile, area planted, harvested area, quantity of production and sales and sales value. The agriculture census plays a vital role in supporting not only farmers and policymakers, but also businesses within the broader agricultural value chain. Doluvo Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Rose Yasmin Abdul Karim said the data gathered from the census is instrumental in helping companies plan for growth and source raw materials more effectively. As the manufacturer of Popsmalaya, a homegrown brand known for fruit-based ice lollies, Yasmin emphasised the importance of using local ingredients. "One of our key strategies moving forward is to collaborate directly with local farmers through contract manufacturing. "The latest data from the agriculture census helps us make informed decisions that align with our long-term goals," she said. Although not all ingredients — such as berries — are sourced locally, Popsmalaya remains committed to showcasing Malaysian produce, with pineapple emerging as a signature flavour. "When we participate in international trade shows, people are often intrigued by unique flavours like pineapple. Pineapple lollies are still uncommon overseas, which gives us a competitive edge," Yasmin said. Popsmalaya exports to over 30 countries and attributes its global success to support from agencies such as the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority. Yasmin's sentiment was echoed by Mohd Azhan Fhitri Md Rafi, a sales coordinator at Mascorn Sdn Bhd. "For companies like Mascorn, access to accurate and comprehensive agricultural data enables us to better align with market trends and plan strategically. "It also helps identify emerging needs and opportunities across the sector.
