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New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
2nd phase of Beras Melaka distribution to begin in July
JASIN: The second phase of Beras Melaka distribution is expected to begin in July, with retail sales through outlets under the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama). Melaka Fama director Nor Azhar Abdul Hamid said 4,000 packs of rice will be offered to the public in this phase, matching the amount distributed during the first rollout. "We aim to gradually increase the quantity, but it will depend on the harvest season and the size of the padi fields in Melaka. "Each distribution phase takes about three to four months, as it relies on the rice harvesting cycle," he told reporters at the Semarak Aidiladha 1446H Special Sales Programme at the Jasin Farmers' Market here today. During the first phase, 4,000 packs of Beras Melaka were sold at RM26 each for a 10kg pack. Designated Fama retail points for the rice include farmers' markets (pasar tani), Agrobazaar Kedai Rakyat, the Agro Madani Sales Programme, and the People's Representative for the People (WRUR) initiative.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Govt clearing path for more young farmers
Sowing seeds of progress: Saarani (centre) at a ceremony for Fama Fest 2025 @ Perak at the Gopeng Rural Transformation Centre, flanked by Arthur (left) and Fama chairman Aminuddin Zulkipli. — Bernama GOPENG: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is intensifying efforts to attract more youth into agriculture as the country grapples with an ageing farmer population, says Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. Acknowledging that many farmers were now in their 60s, the Deputy Minister said the issue was not unique to Malaysia but part of a global trend. The country is implementing targeted measures to address the issue, he added. 'We are taking proactive steps to attract more young people to take part in the agriculture sector,' he told reporters after joining Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad to close the Fama Fest 2025 at the Gopeng Rural Transformation Centre, yesterday. Arthur was commenting on the preliminary findings from the 2024 Agriculture Census, which noted that Malaysians aged over 60 make up the largest segment of the country's farmers while around 90% of farmers had only completed their education up to the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia level. The census – the first in more than two decades – aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the country's agricultural and food production landscape. Arthur said among the key initiatives was organising programmes such as Fama Fest to create wider market access for young agropreneurs. He said these events not only helped promote and sell agricultural products but also highlighted the sector's potential for generating lucrative income. 'We want to show that the agriculture and agri-food industry is a viable and profitable career path. 'The ministry is also advocating for a shift away from conventional farming methods to modern, technology-driven agriculture,' said Arthur. 'This includes the use of innovation in every aspect of the industry, from production to operations, and creating a broader ecosystem of employment opportunities,' he added. Arthur said the ministry was also actively promoting agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes. 'These courses, which cover areas such as livestock, fisheries and vegetable farming, are fully funded by the government, including accommodation and daily expenses, to make them more accessible to youth. 'There is also a need for cooperation from state governments. It is important that land and financing are made available to ensure young people have the resources to grow and expand their agricultural ventures.' Arthur said the ministry hoped that these combined efforts would revitalise the sector, ensuring food security and sustainability for the future.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Fama Fest aims RM6mil sales, pushes for youth participation
GOPENG: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is targeting RM6 million in total sales through the Fama Fest programme organised by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) in six states. Its deputy minister, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, said the programme will be held in Sarawak, Johor, Perak, Selangor, Sabah and conclude in Negri Sembilan in September. "The Perak government remains one of the key contributors to the Fama Fest series, which is now in its seventh year. "Last year, the sales target for Perak was RM2 million, but due to overwhelming response, we surpassed that with RM2.6 million in total sales," he said when met after the closing ceremony of Fama Fest @Perak 2025 at RTC Perak here today. He said this year's target for Fama Fest @Perak had been raised to RM3 million, with 210 booths operating over five days from May 29. "Fama Fest @Perak is usually the top contributor, accounting for 30 per cent of total nationwide sales at last year's event," he said. Arthur said the programme is one of the government's initiatives to attract youths into the agriculture sector, which is currently dominated by individuals aged 60 and above. "Events like this create more marketing avenues for local producers and demonstrate that agriculture and agri-food are lucrative industries with strong income potential," he said. He emphasised the need to move away from conventional farming methods towards more modern approaches that incorporate technology and innovation, adding that this creates a long value chain, from production to operations and maintenance. He said the ministry strongly encourages participation in agriculture-related Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses offered under the ministry. "We will cover all expenses for these programmes, including courses, accommodation and daily allowances. This is part of our effort to attract young people into agriculture," he said. On May 29, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also energy transition and water transformation minister, revealed that 224,147 agricultural operators aged between 15 and 45 were recorded in the 2024 Agriculture Census, making up 22.2 per cent of the sector's workforce. – Bernama
The Star
14-05-2025
- The Star
Cops bust illegal sand mining activity in Kelantan
KOTA BARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) of the Royal Malaysian Police has cracked down on illegal sand mining activities in a river near Kampung Pahi, Kuala Krai. GOF South-East Brigade Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Kota Baru Land and Mines Office under Ops Taring Wawasan around 4.15pm on Sunday. He said the inspection found that the activities were carried out by three local men and three Bangladeshis, who failed to show valid permits or documents for sand extraction. 'The police detained and seized all equipment and machinery, such as sand suction vessels, excavators, lorries and other equipment used to move sand estimated at RM2mil. 'The case is being investigated under Section 426 of the National Land Code 1965. 'The suspects and the seized items were handed over to the Kota Baru Land and Mines office for further action,' he said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported. Commenting further, Nik Ros Azhan said the GOF also foiled coconut smuggling activities after detaining a trailer and two lorries in Kampung Terbak, Tumpat, on Sunday. 'The results of the inspection found that three local men were transferring about 45,100kg of coconuts from the trailer to the lorry. 'The men had failed to show purchase documents related to the coconuts. He added that the estimated value of the seizure is RM1.35mil including vehicles. The case is also being investigated under the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) Act 141, he added. 'The suspect and the seized items were handed over to the Kota Baru Fama office for further action,' he said.
New Straits Times
03-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Authorities crack down on sales of fake Harumanis mangoes
KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities are monitoring the sale of mangoes falsely claimed to be Harumanis, but are in fact different varieties through Ops Harumanis. According to TV3's Buletin Utama, stalls in the state displaying mango varieties other than Harumanis which could confuse consumers would be issued warnings to prevent any form of deception that could damage the reputation of the popular mango. The integrated operation involving the Kangar Municipal Council (MPK), the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) was carried out along the Kuala Perlis-Changlun and Pauh-Padang Besar routes. "We will not allow the name of this Perlis product to be misused by irresponsible parties," said Kangar Municipal Council President Affendi Rajini Khant. Thirty stalls were inspected, but none were ordered to close as no public complaints had been received regarding traffic disruptions or fraudulent sales. Last month, Fama reminded the public to be cautious of unscrupulous traders selling counterfeit Perlis Harumanis mangoes. Perlis Fama director Mohd Anzara Azizan said observations showed that some traders were taking advantage of the situation by selling imported mangoes that allegedly resemble Harumanis at low prices, claiming them to be the state's iconic fruit. Keywords: News Malaysia Fama Nst Perlis Fake Kangar Mpk Harumanis Nation Mangoes Kpdn Related Articles Nation Apr 16, 2025 @ 10:33am Fama warns public over fake Harumanis mangoes Nation Dec 19, 2024 @ 6:23am Year-round Harumanis harvest could hurt prices and demand Crime & Courts Mar 26, 2025 @ 3:18am Two arrested for Harumanis mango theft in Arau Nation Feb 26, 2025 @ 12:49am Perlis UiTM's R&D yields 30 Harumanis mango byproducts
