Latest news with #MinistryofAgricultureandFoodSecurity
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
RM23.4m from KPKM to fuel 20 high-impact projects in Johor
JOHOR BAHRU: A total of 20 high-impact programmes and projects supporting Johor's Food Security Agenda will be carried out this year with an allocation of RM23.4 million. State Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the funds were channelled by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) under the two-phase Land Optimisation Programme. He said RM9.25 million for phase one was disbursed in February, while RM14.15 million for phase two will be released this month. According to him, the high-impact initiatives, implemented in cooperation with the ministry, include strengthening modern agricultural practices as well as energising the agro-based and aquaculture industries. 'Milk output under the Jemaluang Dairy Valley (JDV) project will be increased. Upgrades will also be made to Permanent Food Production Parks (TKPM), the pineapple and padi industries, permanent farmers' market facilities, agro-tourism initiatives, and youth empowerment in agriculture,' he said in a statement today. Zahari added that the measures are expected to bring widespread benefits to all Johoreans, and he expressed appreciation to the ministry for the allocation. 'The Johor government is fully committed to ensuring every programme and project is successfully delivered, further elevating the agri-food sector in Johor and Malaysia,' he said.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
RM23.4 million from KPKM to fuel 20 high-impact projects in Johor
JOHOR BAHRU: A total of 20 high-impact programmes and projects supporting Johor's Food Security Agenda will be carried out this year with an allocation of RM23.4 million. State Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the funds were channelled by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) under the two-phase Land Optimisation Programme. He said RM9.25 million for phase one was disbursed in February, while RM14.15 million for phase two will be released this month. According to him, the high-impact initiatives, implemented in cooperation with the ministry, include strengthening modern agricultural practices as well as energising the agro-based and aquaculture industries. 'Milk output under the Jemaluang Dairy Valley (JDV) project will be increased. Upgrades will also be made to Permanent Food Production Parks (TKPM), the pineapple and padi industries, permanent farmers' market facilities, agro-tourism initiatives, and youth empowerment in agriculture,' he said in a statement today. Zahari added that the measures are expected to bring widespread benefits to all Johoreans, and he expressed appreciation to the ministry for the allocation. 'The Johor government is fully committed to ensuring every programme and project is successfully delivered, further elevating the agri-food sector in Johor and Malaysia,' he said.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Govt allocates RM15.9 million to develop agricultural infrastructure, mechanisation services
BAGAN SERAI: The government has allocated RM15.9 million through the Agrofood Mechanisation and Automation Programme to enable departments and agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) to develop farm infrastructure and deliver mechanisation services to targeted groups nationwide. Its Deputy Minister, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said that of the total, RM11 million is allocated for the procurement of agricultural machinery, equipment and systems, while RM2.6 million is for the development of farm infrastructure, buildings and mechanisation facilities. RM1 million, meanwhile, is for the supply of machinery spare parts, agricultural mechanisation and automation and so on. 'This proves that the government has taken steps to ensure farmers benefit from modern technology... so that we can increase agricultural yield, reduce operational costs and make the sector more sustainable,' he said when speaking at the Perak state-level Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Handover ceremony at Dewan Dato' Zainal Abidin Zin here today. He also expressed confidence that such programmes would empower the agricultural sector, to address whatever hurdles and challenges it faced. As for the programme, he said a total of RM643,985.72 has been allocated for the distribution of small and medium-sized machinery through a matching grant to 185 recipients, involving 20 Farmers' Organisations across Perak. Arthur said this is part of efforts by KPKM and the Farmers' Organisation Authority (LPP) to assist and support farmers in ensuring the country's food security continues to be protected.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Govt allocates RM15.9m to develop agricultural infrastructure
BAGAN SERAI: The government has allocated RM15.9 million through the Agrofood Mechanisation and Automation Programme to enable departments and agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) to develop farm infrastructure and deliver mechanisation services to targeted groups nationwide. Its Deputy Minister, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said that of the total, RM11 million is allocated for the procurement of agricultural machinery, equipment and systems, while RM2.6 million is for the development of farm infrastructure, buildings and mechanisation facilities. RM1 million, meanwhile, is for the supply of machinery spare parts, agricultural mechanisation and automation and so on. 'This proves that the government has taken steps to ensure farmers benefit from modern technology... so that we can increase agricultural yield, reduce operational costs and make the sector more sustainable,' he said when speaking at the Perak state-level Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Handover ceremony at Dewan Dato' Zainal Abidin Zin here today. He also expressed confidence that such programmes would empower the agricultural sector, to address whatever hurdles and challenges it faced. As for the programme, he said a total of RM643,985.72 has been allocated for the distribution of small and medium-sized machinery through a matching grant to 185 recipients, involving 20 Farmers' Organisations across Perak. Arthur said this is part of efforts by KPKM and the Farmers' Organisation Authority (LPP) to assist and support farmers in ensuring the country's food security continues to be protected.
BusinessToday
26-05-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Government May Delay Subsidy Reforms: CGS
Malaysia's headline inflation held steady at 1.4% year-on-year in April 2025, in line with CGS International and Bloomberg consensus estimates. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) remained unchanged from the previous month, supported by easing food prices but tempered by rising utility and personal care costs. Core inflation, however, edged higher to 2.0% in April—its highest level since December 2023—indicating resilient underlying price pressures, particularly in non-volatile categories. 'The sustained low headline inflation was largely driven by slower food price growth, which moderated to +2.3% yoy, its lowest level since December last year,' CGS International said in its latest economic update. Food Costs Dip, But Utilities Rebound Food-at-home prices grew by just 0.5% yoy, while food-away-from-home eased to 4.3%. On a monthly basis, food costs dipped by 0.1%. However, the utilities segment rebounded in April, fuelled by rising service maintenance and repair costs for dwellings, averaging 5.7% yoy since the beginning of the year. Other categories such as personal care and social protection also saw prices rise, contributing modestly to the upward pressure on the index. Egg Subsidy Removal Seen Having Minimal CPI Impact The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security's (MAFS) announcement to phase out egg subsidies—starting with a reduction from RM0.10 to RM0.05 per egg from 1 May and full removal by 1 August—is expected to have minimal impact on inflation. 'With egg prices forming just 0.4% of the CPI basket and having shown a declining trend since July 2024, we believe the price liberalisation will not trigger significant inflationary pressure,' CGS noted. The move is projected to save the government RM400 million in subsidies in 2025, aligning with broader fiscal reform objectives. Policy Delays Prompt CPI Forecast Revision In light of weakening domestic demand and global tariff concerns—particularly following U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed trade policy threats—the Malaysian government has opted for a more cautious approach to subsidy and tax reforms. The implementation of the expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST), originally scheduled for early 2025, has been delayed to 1 June, with actual enforcement likely beginning in July. The SST expansion could add 10–20 basis points to CPI, with a second-round effect expected by August. Additionally, the long-anticipated rationalisation of RON95 fuel subsidies, previously targeted for mid-2025, may be delayed. The reform could impact 15% of households and add a further 20 basis points to the annual inflation rate. Revised CPI Forecast for 2025 Given the delay in price reforms, subdued global commodity prices, and modest inflation in the first four months of the year (1.5% yoy), CGS International has revised its full-year 2025 CPI forecast down to 2.0% from 2.3% previously. 'Despite short-term softness, we expect inflationary pressures to pick up in the second half of 2025 and into 2026 as reform measures gradually take hold,' CGS added. The revised outlook reflects a more measured reform timeline and a shifting macroeconomic backdrop, positioning Malaysia for stable yet cautious inflationary trends in the year ahead. Related
