Latest news with #Bumiputera-owned
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Cloud seeding to tackle dry padi fields in Perak
PASIR SALAK: Cloud seeding operations will soon be conducted to alleviate dry conditions affecting padi fields in Perak, announced Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. The move comes after farmers in Kerian raised concerns over declining water levels in Bukit Merah Lake due to prolonged hot weather. Mohamad stated that while cloud seeding has been attempted before, water reservoirs remain a critical issue. 'We are working on the cloud seeding. We've done it before as well, but we'll have to wait and water reservoirs remain a critical concern,' he said during a press conference at the Felcra Berhad Padi Seed Centre. To further address water shortages, a water transfer project from Sungai Perak to Bukit Merah Dam is set to begin in August. This initiative aims to boost water supply for agricultural use in the Kerian region. Separately, Mohamad mentioned that rice supply quotas for manufacturers will be adjusted based on production capacity. 'The quota is based on capacity. If a Bumiputera-owned factory has the capacity, we will do our best to assist,' he explained. The Perak state government recently sought an increased rice supply quota for manufacturers, particularly Bumiputera-owned firms, to ensure stable food production. State committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun emphasised the need for collaboration between large and small manufacturers to maintain supply chain resilience. - Bernama
Barnama
14-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Cloud Seeding To Be Carried Out To Address Dry Padi Fields
PASIR SALAK, July 14 (Bernama) -- Cloud seeding operations will be carried out to address the issue of dry padi fields caused by the hot weather, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He said the decision was made following concerns raised by padi farmers in Kerian, Perak, over the receding water level in Bukit Merah Lake due to the hot weather. 'We are working on the cloud seeding. We've done it before as well, but we'll have to wait and water reservoirs remain a critical concern. 'That is why a water transfer project is being planned in the Kerian Valley to address water issues in the Kerian Valley and South Seberang Perai,' he told a press conference after a ceremony to unveil the new Clearfield padi varieties MR CL3 and MR CL4 at the Felcra Berhad Padi Seed Centre here today. Mohamad said the raw water distribution project from Sungai Perak to the Bukit Merah Dam, aimed at increasing water supply capacity for agricultural use in the Kerian area, is expected to begin in August. In another development, he said the increase in rice supply quotas to manufacturers would be based on each factory's capacity to produce the country's staple food. 'The quota is based on capacity. If a Bumiputera-owned factory has the capacity, we will do our best to assist,' he said. Last Wednesday, Perak Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said that the state government would submit a request to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to increase the rice supply quota for manufacturers, especially Bumiputera manufacturers, to meet current needs and safeguard the country's food supply. He said the move was crucial to ensure cooperation between large and small manufacturers in revitalising the rice industry and maintaining a stable and adequate supply.
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to launch National Seed Council to boost agricultural resilience
PASIR SALAK: Malaysia is set to launch a National Seed Council in a strategic move to strengthen the country's agricultural resilience and reduce its dependence on foreign seed sources. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the council is currently in its final stages of evaluation and is expected to be launched soon. "At the ministry level, we have established the National Seed Council, which will be launched soon. It is currently in the final review stage before its official launch," he said. He spoke to reporters after launching the new Clearfield rice varieties CL3 and CL4 at the Felcra Seberang Perak here, today. Also present were ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, Mardi board chairman Dr Azman Ismail and state Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun. Highlighting the importance of seed sovereignty, Mohamad said there was a need to prevent the monopolisation of seeds by powerful corporations or foreign nations. "Seeds are a critical component of food production. We do not want them to be monopolised by certain companies or countries. "Let seed management be conducted in an orderly manner. With the establishment of the National Seed Board, we will be able to regulate all types of seeds, whether for plants or livestock within Malaysia," he said. When asked whether all research will be conducted at the centre, Mohamad said it will serve primarily as a strategic seed repository. "The paddy seed center will act as a repository for all the seed varieties we have in the country. If anything happens, we will have a reserve to reproduce those seeds in the future," he said. On a separate matter, Mohamad said the allocation of additional rice supply quotas to millers would be based on the capacity of the respective mills. He said that if millers are capable of processing a higher volume of paddy, the ministry would make efforts to assist in increasing their rice supply quotas. "The quota depends on capacity. If we see that a Bumiputera-owned mill has the capability, we will try to assist. "If it lacks any capacity at all, then it's quite difficult. We can't rely solely on quotas, both quota and capacity must be considered. That's what matters most, and the government is always ready to help," he said. He was commenting on a statement made by Zolkafly on Wednesday, in which the latter had said the state government would be applying to the ministry to increase the quota, especially for Bumiputera millers. Zolkafly had said the move was crucial to ensure that both large and small millers can collaborate in revitalising the rice industry and maintaining a stable and sufficient rice supply.
Borneo Post
18-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Teraju calls for stronger Bumiputera presence in M'sian capital market
Junady delivers his welcoming speech at the event. — Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (June 19): Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (Teraju) has called for greater Bumiputera participation in the Malaysian capital market to bridge longstanding equity ownership gaps and boost Bumiputera corporate competitiveness. Its chief executive officer Junady Nawawi said that about seven per cent of companies listed on Bursa Malaysia were Bumiputera-controlled, and in the past three years, out of 97 new listings, only one was a majority Bumiputera-owned company. 'The journey towards initial public offering (IPO) is undoubtedly challenging – despite six decades of efforts to empower the Bumiputera economy, Bumiputera ownership and control in the capital market remains low. 'The reality is that much more needs to be done. This gap is not just a number – it is a call to action. It underscores Teraju's ongoing commitment to formulating comprehensive financing and facilitation strategies to build more competitive Bumiputera enterprises that are ready to penetrate global markets,' he said in his welcoming address at the 'Road to IPO: Sarawak Edition' programme held at Hilton Hotel here yesterday. Junady said the programme was a significant initiative underlining Teraju's mission to ensure Bumiputera inclusion in the mainstream of the national economy, particularly within the growing capital market ecosystem. 'This marks the beginning of a strategic and long-term transformation journey. The path towards public listing not only demands perseverance and proper planning, but also discipline and competitiveness to succeed in a dynamic and challenging market environment,' he said. He expressed appreciation to Bursa Malaysia and strategic partners Deloitte Advisory for working hand-in-hand with Teraju to realise this shared vision. 'This collaboration reflects a true spirit of partnership, where we jointly strengthen the national capital market while opening more opportunities for Bumiputera companies to grow and compete,' he said. The programme also aims to support the state's strategic framework for Bumiputera economic empowerment through the 3-7-20 agenda, which outlines three key targets to be achieved by 2030. 'This framework aligns with the federal government's Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35) and Sarawak's PCDS 2030, both of which emphasise sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth,' Junady said. He added that through PuTERA35, the government has set an ambitious target to increase individual and mandated Bumiputera equity ownership from RM1.71 trillion to RM2.93 trillion by 2035 – a 30 per cent increase in 10 years. 'This target is not just a figure, but a reflection of our national resolve to ensure Bumiputeras become more significant stakeholders in the economy,' he said. Junady also highlighted Sarawak's key role in Malaysia's overall economic development. 'Companies in this state have demonstrated high potential, not just in terms of resilience, but also in their aspirations to expand into domestic and international markets,' he said. The event saw the participation of representatives from Sarawak Bumiputera Socioeconomic Transformation Group (KGBS), as well as presidents of various Bumiputera chambers of commerce including Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS), Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), and Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OUCCI). Junady urged participants to take full advantage of the programme. 'Get actively involved, absorb the insights shared, ask questions, and build your network. Such interactions are not mere formalities, but bridges to your next phase of growth,' he said. He reiterated Teraju's commitment to supporting Sarawak through strategic financing and guidance, aiming to strengthen the corporate landscape and foster a sustainable and competitive Bumiputera economic ecosystem. 'Let us move forward together toward a brighter future, where Sarawak Bumiputera companies stand tall as champions at the regional and global levels,' he said. Bumiputera Capital market lead TERAJU
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MARA allocates RM8 million to boost Bumiputera optometry entrepreneurship
KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has allocated RM8 million to enhance entrepreneurial opportunities in the optometry industry for Bumiputera entrepreneurs. MARA director-general Datuk Zulfikri Osman said the funds are channelled through the Optometry Entrepreneur Development Programme. It aims to support about 30 participants in opening businesses in shopping complexes, with a maximum financing limit of RM400,000. 'We know that out of 6,700 optometry shops in Malaysia, only 10 per cent are Bumiputera-owned. We hope the involvement of Bumiputera entrepreneurs can be increased beyond this 10 per cent. 'As such, MARA, in collaboration with La Calisto, will provide support in the form of training, exposure to the latest optometry technology, clinical training, and effective marketing and business management strategies,' he said at the launch of the Optometry Entrepreneur Development Programme here today. Also present were La Calisto general manager Wong Ching Fook and MARA Commercial Infrastructure Division director Lailatul Asmah Mohd Tahir. The collaboration between MARA and La Calisto is in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call at the Bumiputera Economic Congress, which encouraged Bumiputera entrepreneurs to collaborate with their non-Bumiputera counterparts to move forward under the Madani government. Zulfikri said the programme aims to raise public awareness on the importance of eye care while creating more job opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship across the country. He said the initiative also aims to cultivate more entrepreneurs in the optometry sector by providing skills training, financial support, and comprehensive business mentorship. He added that La Calisto is also working with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia to identify potential entrepreneurs among optometry graduates to participate in the programme. 'To ensure participants succeed, they must possess knowledge in optometry and marketing, and their outlets must be located within shopping complexes,' he said. He said that based on records, 90 per cent of special programmes under MARA's initiatives have been successful over the past 10 years, and expressed confidence that this entrepreneur development initiative will achieve similar success.
