Latest news with #EnergyTransitionandWaterTransformationMinistry
New Straits Times
4 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.
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean 2045: Govt to enhance scope of regional energy cooperation
PUTRAJAYA: The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry has voiced its full support for the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Aseab 2045: Our Shared Future, calling it a pivotal step towards realising the Asean Economic Community Strategic Plan. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also in charge of ministry, said the ministry is committed to enhancing regional energy cooperation by finalising strategic frameworks and action plans under the Priority Economic Deliverables (PED), aimed at fostering a just and structured energy transition. He said among key initiatives undertaken to reach the goals is the upcoming Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030, which will serve as the framework for long-term regional energy strategies towards a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy system across Asean by 2045. Fadillah also underscored the importance of advancing the Asean Power Grid (APG) through the implementation of a Memorandum of Cooperation, which will facilitate interconnectivity between member states' electricity grids. "This will accelerate regional grid integration and enable broader adoption of clean energy sources and pave the way for cross-border power trading and greater use of renewable energy," he said in a statement today. Fadillah said two other regional agreements, namely the Trans Asean Gas Pipeline Agreement (TAGP) and the Asean Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), will serve as foundational frameworks to ensure secure and reliable supply chains of natural gas and petroleum, which are essential for supporting a phased transition to low-carbon energy systems, especially in power generation. "Through these initiatives, the ministry is committed to supporting the Kuala Lumpur Declaration of Asean 2045, including efforts to position energy transition as a strategic pillar in building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Asean Economic Community. "This commitment aligns with Malaysia Madani, the national development framework that champions sustainability, well-being, and innovation. "It also strengthens regional collaboration for the shared benefit of all Asean communities," he said. Yesterday, Asean leaders adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, which set the foundation to guide the region's development and cooperation over the next two decades. The declaration, endorsed during the 46th Asean Summit here, represents a significant milestone in the bloc's commitment to building a more resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred regional community. According to the Declaration, Asean member states reaffirmed their collective resolve to enhance regional unity, promote inclusive and sustainable development and strengthen institutional capacity to respond effectively to existing and future megatrends. The document also envisions Asean as the epicentre of growth in the Indo-Pacific region, with a strong emphasis on regional solidarity, a shared identity and equitable access to economic opportunities among its people. – Benama
Barnama
24-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Kuala Nerus Coastal Erosion Control Project To Be Completed In Jan 2027
KUALA NERUS, May 24 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Nerus Coastal Erosion Control project is expected to be completed in January 2027, said the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) secretary-general Datuk Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli. He said the project, which began in July 2023 with a federal development allocation of RM90 million, has reached 24.5 per cent progress. According to him, the project involves beach nourishment works along a two-kilometre stretch and the construction of 16 breakwaters to restore eroded coastline from Pantai Mengabang Telipot to Pantai Batu Rakit. "The project implementation will help preserve the shoreline, prevent coastal flooding, and ultimately protect property and infrastructure from damage. "This will indirectly help revitalise tourism activities, which in turn will support local economic growth," he said in a statement today. Mad Zaidi said that based on the record of the MyProjek system as of May 19, the federal government has approved 27 projects, 22 of which are related to water resources, flood mitigation, and coastal erosion, implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage. In addition, he said three water supply projects under the Water Supply Department and two projects under the Sewerage Services Department (JPP) were approved under the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), with a total value of RM2.945 billion. Mad Zaidi said RM287.8 million has been set aside for Terengganu under the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12MP. He added that 24 new projects had been proposed under the 13MP for 2026 and are currently undergoing budget review by the Economy Ministry.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
NEM Rakyat quota increased by 100MW, total now 700MW
PUTRAJAYA: The quota for the Net Energy Metering (NEM) programme under the domestic category, known as NEM Rakyat, has been increased by an additional 100 megawatts (MW), bringing the total quota allocated since the programme's inception in 2011 to 700MW. In a statement today, the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) said the additional quota is now open to all domestic users under Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) until June 30, or until the quota is fully subscribed — whichever comes first. PETRA said the move follows an overwhelming response from the public, which led to the exhaustion of the existing NEM Rakyat quota. 'In light of the strong interest, PETRA has decided to expand the NEM Rakyat quota to enable more domestic users to harness their rooftop spaces for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems,' the statement read. The latest guidelines for the NEM Rakyat programme can be accessed via the Energy Commission's website at while further details on the application process are available on the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia's website at The ministry also said that PETRA, together with the Energy Commission (ST) as the regulatory authority for the electricity supply industry, is currently reviewing new mechanisms and implementation methods for rooftop solar initiatives. The aim is to ensure that upcoming renewable energy (RE) initiatives are more inclusive, equitable and beneficial to all electricity consumers. 'As the lead agency driving the national energy transition agenda, PETRA remains committed to enhancing and expanding the implementation of rooftop solar initiatives as part of a broader effort to support Malaysia's energy transition aspirations,' PETRA said. It also reaffirmed Malaysia's goal of achieving 70 per cent renewable energy capacity in the national electricity supply mix by 2050 — a key pillar in the country's sustainable development agenda and a testament to its commitment to environmental sustainability and energy resource security.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
NEM Rakyat quota increased by 100MW, total now 600MW
PUTRAJAYA: The quota for the Net Energy Metering (NEM) programme under the domestic category, known as NEM Rakyat, has been increased by an additional 100 megawatts (MW), bringing the total quota allocated since the programme's inception in 2011 to 600MW. In a statement today, the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) said the additional quota is now open to all domestic users under Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) until June 30, or until the quota is fully subscribed — whichever comes first. PETRA said the move follows an overwhelming response from the public, which led to the exhaustion of the existing NEM Rakyat quota. 'In light of the strong interest, PETRA has decided to expand the NEM Rakyat quota to enable more domestic users to harness their rooftop spaces for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems,' the statement read. The latest guidelines for the NEM Rakyat programme can be accessed via the Energy Commission's website at while further details on the application process are available on the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia's website at The ministry also said that PETRA, together with the Energy Commission (ST) as the regulatory authority for the electricity supply industry, is currently reviewing new mechanisms and implementation methods for rooftop solar initiatives. The aim is to ensure that upcoming renewable energy (RE) initiatives are more inclusive, equitable and beneficial to all electricity consumers. 'As the lead agency driving the national energy transition agenda, PETRA remains committed to enhancing and expanding the implementation of rooftop solar initiatives as part of a broader effort to support Malaysia's energy transition aspirations,' PETRA said. It also reaffirmed Malaysia's goal of achieving 70 per cent renewable energy capacity in the national electricity supply mix by 2050 — a key pillar in the country's sustainable development agenda and a testament to its commitment to environmental sustainability and energy resource security.
