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The Star
18 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Cheap imports, aimless programmes hurting farmers
The right help: With proper policies, incentives and technological help, local farmers will be able to produce bountiful crops to match major food producers like China, Japan and India, say agriculture and food security experts. PETALING JAYA: Vegetable farmers and livestock breeders say that cheap imports and unfocused programmes are why their industries are 'in a crisis' despite all the attention given to agriculture for the past two decades. Local growers are unable to compete with cheap vegetables brought in from China, Vietnam and Thailand, which is why some farms are leaving their crops to rot instead of harvesting them. Cattle breeders say that government programmes encouraging farmers to breed cows for meat have failed to produce more beef for local consumption because the initiatives did not go to the right people. 'I do not know if our vegetable farmers can survive for the next two years because cheap imports are driving the prices down and we cannot compete,' said Cameron Highlands Malay Farmers Association chairman Datuk Syed Abd Rahman Syed Abd Rashid. For instance, with the cost of producing cabbages being 80sen, farmers have to sell their produce at more than RM1 per kilo in order to make a profit, he said. 'But cabbages from China are sold in supermarkets at 60sen per kilo. So, how can we compete with these prices? 'Wholesalers and importers are bringing in tonnes of these vegetables every day, so how is our local produce going to compete?' he asked. The vegetable glut in the market is currently nearly all year-round, added Syed Abd Rahman, making it hard for farmers to earn an income. 'In the last two years, I have not made a profit at all from growing vegetables. This is something I am sure farmers all over the country have experienced. Our industry is in a crisis,' he noted. The Statistics Department's (DOSM) Agriculture Census 2024 showed that Malaysia continued to depend on imports to meet local demand for beef, mutton and milk. In 2024, 84%, 89.% and 56.6% of these items, respectively, were from other countries. Cattle breeder Jamal Abdul Karim said that according to DOSM's past data, the country had higher levels of self-sufficiency for beef in the years before the Covid-19 pandemic, but this has declined and the nation has increased its imports. 'In my own experience, when we were sourcing cattle for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidiladha, we could not find enough animals in Peninsular Malaysia. We had to source from Thailand', said Jamal, who is the chief executive officer of Colla Niaga Sdn Bhd. Despite seeing years of government programmes to encourage the growth of local breeders, Jamal said the results have been lacklustre because the initiatives lack focus. 'The problem is that we don't choose the right people who want to be breeders. For instance, we give out cows to oil palm planters so they can breed them in their plantations. 'But the problem is these people are focused on oil palm and not cattle-breeding. To make the industry viable, we need the government to work with the right breeders,' Jamal added.
The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Need to prevent hearing loss in the workplace
WE OFTEN read about workplace accidents, the sudden, dramatic incidents that lead to injuries or even death. But what about the quiet dangers, the ones that slowly chip away at our health over time, often without a whisper until it's too late? A recent report from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) has uncovered a startling truth about workplace health in 2023 that calls for immediate attention from decision-makers, employers and workers. The DOSM's 'National Occupational Injury and Disease Statistics for the year 2023' gives us a detailed look at safety across our workplaces. While the report noted a 13.8% jump in overall occupational injuries, the real concern, often overlooked, is occupational diseases. These aren't sudden injuries; instead, they're health issues that develop gradually from repeated exposure to hazardous substances or unsafe working conditions. And the numbers are shocking. Out of more than 8,000 cases of occupational diseases and poisoning recorded in 2023, a staggering 82.8%, were occupational noise-related hearing disorders. This means some Malaysians are slowly losing their hearing because of their jobs. It's a tragic and, most importantly, often preventable outcome. Why does this happen? The simple answer lies in the nature of these long-term conditions. Unlike a broken arm from a fall, noise-induced hearing loss creeps up on you. The constant hum of machinery, the relentless impact of a hammer or the continuous whine of equipment gradually damages the delicate parts of the ear. Because the effect isn't immediate, it's easy for employers and employees to overlook this creeping danger until the damage is severe and, sadly, irreversible. Many decision-makers, understandably focused on preventing immediate injuries and deaths, might accidentally neglect these long-term health risks. You can often see workers on a construction site operating impact hammers or drills, powerful tools that blast out ear-splitting noise. Yet, how often do we see these workers consistently wearing proper hearing protection? Or what about the grasscutters, often seen working for local councils, using loud machines like lawn mowers? You have to wonder if the screening and safety requirements are clearly spelt out in their contracts for such high-noise activities. These are clear instances where the long-term, quiet threat of noise exposure isn't given the attention it deserves. There doesn't seem to be enough visible enforcement by the authorities in this crucial area. This situation demands urgent attention from industry leaders and government bodies. We must actively protect our workforce from this silent threat. Employers and those in charge need to embrace change as if these workers are their loved ones. Here's what needs to happen: • Monitor the noise. Companies must regularly measure noise levels in all work areas. They also need to check how much noise individual employees are exposed to, making sure they're not going over safe limits. • Prevent at source. The best solution is always to reduce noise where it starts. This means investing in quieter machines, using sound-absorbing materials in workplaces and isolating noisy processes from other areas. • Protect our ears. When noise can't be eliminated, providing and strictly enforcing the consistent use of appropriate hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs is vital. • Regular check-ups. Employees who work in noisy environments should get regular hearing tests (audiometric testing). This helps catch any signs of hearing loss early, allowing for quick action. • Reassign if needed. If an employee is found to have hearing damage related to their work, moving them to a less noisy role is crucial to prevent further harm. The 2023 DOSM report is a stark wake-up call. It's time to move past just counting injuries and fatalities and confront the growing crisis of occupational diseases, especially noise-induced hearing loss. By taking proactive steps, investing in proper prevention and ensuring consistent enforcement, we can create safer, healthier workplaces for all, ensuring that no one loses their ability to hear just by doing their job. CHIN YEW SIN Shah Alam
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Bar wants Senior Citizens Bill immediately to protect Malaysia's ageing population
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Bar wants the government to immediately table a Senior Citizens Bill to protect Malaysia's ageing population. Its president, Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab, said such a bill must be truly effective and must tackle the root causes of neglect, abuse, and systemic marginalisation faced by our ageing population. "The Malaysian Bar stands ready to contribute its legal expertise and insights to ensure that this legislation is effectively and efficiently enacted, for the benefit of all Malaysians," he said in a statement. Ezri said Malaysia was at a critical juncture in its demographic shift towards an ageing population. He cited Malaysian Statistics Department (DOSM) projections that the percentage of citizens aged 65 and above will rise from 8.1 per cent in 2024 to 14.5 per cent by 2040, saying this would place unprecedented demands on the nation's care system. "This demographic transformation presents Malaysia with an urgent and important opportunity to establish a holistic and comprehensive legal and policy framework that will guarantee the protection, welfare and dignity of our senior citizens for generations to come. "The current retirement financial preparedness of Malaysians presents significant challenges that require the immediate attention of our legislative and policy makers. "According to the Employees Provident Fund, 58 per cent of its 54-year-old members have less than RM100,000 in their savings — below the RM240,000 needed to sustain a modest monthly income of RM1,000 for 20 years, post retirement. "This financial gap, combined with rising caregiving costs, underscores the importance of establishing robust legal protection and support systems to ensure elderly Malaysians can age with dignity, security, and quality of life. "We thus welcome and applaud the government's efforts to look into increasing the retirement age from 60 to 65, allowing senior individuals who are keen and capable to continue their valuable contributions to the workforce. "The Malaysian Bar recognises the significant effort and work undertaken by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry in developing the Senior Citizens Bill, as announced in mid-2024. "We understand that comprehensive legislation requires careful consideration and thorough preparation. "Therefore, we commend (the ministry's) reported progress on the Senior Citizens Bill, aimed at enhancing protection for Malaysia's ageing population, and we hope that our following analysis will be considered in the final draft of the bill." Ezri said the Malaysian Bar wants the government to incorporate a holistic, rights-based framework within the final draft of the Senior Citizens Bill, ensuring proactive and legally enforceable protection through several core provisions. The first, he said, was through codified rights and protections which are enforceable by law. These would guarantee senior citizens to healthcare, shelter, safety, financial protection and dignity, aligning with the United Nations Principles for Older Persons. Ezri said the bill must also include robust legal mechanisms to address emotional, physical and financial elder abuse, adding that proper support for victims and rehabilitative options for families must also be incorporated into the framework. Thirdly, he said, there must be oversight through a statutory council, suggesting that a National Commission for Senior Citizens be set up to oversee the implementation of the bill and ensure compliance with other relevant laws or policies. Ezri said there must also be comprehensive community and care support, adding that senior citizens should also be provided with dedicated legal aid for wills, disputes, and protection from exploitation, alongside fair pensions and financial assistance to secure their welfare. He said the Bar also recommended mandatory regulation of elderly care homes, meaning they would have to be licensed, audited and held accountable for the treatment and welfare of their residents. "Malaysia currently has 393 registered elderly care centres and 26 nursing homes, with estimates indicating over 700 unregistered facilities. "Regulation and licensing are crucial to ensuring the safety and dignity of seniors residing in these institutions," he said. Finally, Ezri said the bill must address the challenges of isolation, depression, and dementia through accessible mental health services and community engagement programmes. "Malaysia has an excellent opportunity to leverage gerontechnology — technology specifically designed for senior citizens — to enhance independent living, improve mental health, and support families with caregiving responsibilities. "We can learn from the successful implementation of elderly care in Singapore and Japan, and harness the opportunity to develop innovative and creative solutions, such as wearable health devices, telehealth services, and smart home systems. "The Malaysian Bar reiterates that the rights and welfare of senior citizens must be safeguarded through legislation informed by international best practices. "Jurisdictions such as Canada and South Korea have demonstrated that a statutory framework for senior citizens' welfare can be transformative, not just in providing protection for the elderly, but also in fostering dignity and inclusion." Canada, said Ezri, provides comprehensive support for its senior population, offering income security programmes, initiatives designed to keep seniors active. Meanwhile, he said South Korea established an all-inclusive Long-Term Care Insurance system designed to ensure the well-being of older people experiencing physical limitations or geriatric conditions, simultaneously alleviating the burden borne by their families.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
DOSM agricultural census identifies kenaf, Napier grass, seaweed as high-potential crops
SERDANG: The 2024 Agricultural Census findings indicate potential in cultivating new crops such as kenaf, Napier grass and seaweed, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin. He said the findings also show that kenaf recorded a planting area of 1,497ha with an output of 9,916.1 tonnes, while Napier grass recorded an area of 1,387.7ha and an output of 35,687 tonnes. "These industries possess a great potential in terms of value addition, exports, and the production of downstream products, where the supply chain needs to be strengthened to drive the growth of this segment," he said in a statement issued in conjunction with the launch of the 2024 Interim Agricultural Census report today. He said the plantation industry such as coffee, coconut, and cocoa, has also shown a decline in terms of land area, productivity, and the number of active entrepreneurs. However, the industry still holds significant strategic value and can be revitalised through modern, planned and integrated approaches. For example, local coffee varieties still attract international attention due to the global demand for high-quality coffee. Cocoa, which previously was among the country's main exports, now plays only a small role in the agricultural sector's contribution to the economy. "For the coconut industry, although it is no more considered competitive, its potential in producing value-added products cannot be overlooked. "The recovery of this industry can be achieved through mechanisation and modernisation of farms to change the perception that coconuts are a traditional crop to a profitable one," he said. Besides community crops, fruits and vegetables, the agricultural census also includes industrial crops, cash crops, and herbs classified under other agricultural activities. For the capture fisheries sector, Mohd Uzir said it is one of the main sectors in Malaysia's fisheries industry that contributes to domestic fish supply as well as exports abroad. "Kedah and Penang are the main states for capture fisheries on the northwest coast, with high fish landing numbers, known for deep-sea fishing as well as landings of pelagic fish such as kembung (mackerel), selar (scad) and tongkol (skipjack)," he said. He said that overall, the census also showed that the total number of individual agricultural holdings consisted of 753,139 men (74.7 per cent), while 255,690 (25.3 per cent) were women. As the next step, Mohd Uzir said a consultation session will be organised with various stakeholders to discuss the census findings "This session will serve as a platform to discuss related agricultural issues, including food security, and it is hoped that all parties can fully utilise agricultural statistics in decision-making and contribute to the sustainable and competitive growth of the agricultural sector," he added. – Bernama
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
MyAgroPrice to aid consumers with comprehensive food pricing data
SERDANG: Ever complained about the rising prices of nasi campur but wondered why farmers are making so little at the same time? Well, now you can find out who is getting a cut from all the meats, greens and rice that is on your plate courtesy of the MyAgroPrice platform run by the Statistics Department. When it is fully up and running, MyAgroPrice will display the prices for almost all foods produced in the country at three stages – the farm, wholesale and retail. 'Consumers can see the difference between the prices that they have to pay compared to the prices at which farmers are selling their produce,' said chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin when launching MyAgroPrice. The platform was launched together with DOSM's umbrella site, the Agriculture Digital Database Integration System or TaniStats here on May 29. TaniStats is compilation of all the data that the department has so far collected on the agriculture sector during its 2024 Agriculture Census. Besides MyAgroPrice, TaniStats will contain the census data, upstream and downstream sector statistics and food security indicators. 'This system will also integrate all agricultural data where updates will be carried out periodically among agricultural agencies and will be used as a reference for policy formulation, development planning and measuring the achievements of their respective sectors. 'TaniStats will strengthen strategic planning, increase supply chain efficiency, and ensure the development of a more sustainable and competitive agricultural sector,' DOSM said in a statement. Checks on the MyAgroPrice platform revealed that it is currently at the testing stage and only lists one item. But DOSM officials say that when it is fully ready, it will contain a whole range of products under categories that include grains, vegetables, seafood and meats. MyAgroPrice will list the prices at the district level and consumers will be able to compare the cost of items among different states. 'MyAgroPrice is an innovation that provides information on the level and changes in the prices of selected agricultural products that can be used by consumers for consumption decisions. 'In addition, policymakers can use price information on the MyAgroPrice platform to determine appropriate interventions for supply security and prices of agricultural products,' it added. MyAgroPrice and other data from the census can be accessed at
