Latest news with #NationalAgrofoodPolicy2.0
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Ministry strengthening nation's food security
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's food security remains relatively robust but rising costs, climate risks and dependence on imports continue to test the country's food resilience, said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry. A ministry spokesman told theSun that while over 90% of domestic demand for poultry and fish is met through local production, the country remains significantly reliant on imported staples, particularly rice, beef and certain vegetables. 'The ministry is intensifying efforts to strengthen Malaysia's food system through infrastructure improvements, technology adoption and coordinated policy measures.' According to the 2023 Global Food Security Index, Malaysia ranks 41st out of 113 countries – behind regional leaders like Singapore and Japan. The ministry cited limited agricultural land and high reliance on imported staples as key vulnerabilities. 'For rice, the self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) stands at 56.2%, meaning that just over half of the national requirement is met locally. The goal is to raise this to 80% by 2030 under the National Agrofood Policy 2.0. 'Vegetables have a lower SSR of 45.4%, though local needs are substantially met through crops like kangkung, sawi and okra. However, temperate vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and cauliflower are import-dependent due to climatic and cost-related constraints. 'In the meat sector, poultry leads with an SSR ratio of 90.2% but beef and mutton lag behind significantly at 15.9% and 10.6%, respectively, while dairy products are at 66.8%.' The ministry said initiatives are in progress to improve these figures with support from both government funding and private investments. It said Malaysia's vulnerability to global disruptions is relatively low but the country remains dependent on imported inputs such as fertilisers, feed and seeds for certain commodities. It added that the country is currently increasing local production of shallots and maize. 'To future-proof Malaysia's food supply system and prepare for an estimated population of 40 to 42 million by 2050, several forward-looking strategies must be adopted. 'These include embracing smart agriculture and precision farming across crops, livestock and fisheries, and promoting sustainable approaches such as regenerative agriculture and the circular economy.' The ministry called on state governments to allocate land for agriculture while the federal government is focusing on providing funding, support and policy direction to reduce imports and increase local production. It added that expanding vertical and urban farming would help maximise yields in limited spaces, and innovation in aquaculture could ensure sustainable protein sources. 'Investing in youth, women and tech-savvy agropreneurs is just as vital, along with establishing strategic food reserves and building a robust agrofood database to enable data-driven policymaking. 'To enhance self-sufficiency and reduce import dependence, Malaysia must modernise farming with smart technology, advance crop and livestock research, expand agroparks and contract farming, encourage youth participation as well as seek alternative animal feed to reduce reliance on imported grain.' The National Agrofood Policy 2.0 and the National Food Security Policy Action Plan (2021–2025) provide a comprehensive framework focused on improving productivity, climate resilience, supply chain efficiency and farmer livelihoods.
The Sun
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia, as Asean Chair, to spearhead regional sustainable agriculture, food security
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is strategically positioned to spearhead regional initiatives in sustainable agriculture as the 2025 Asean Chair. Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak said by focusing on slow food, local sourcing, and climate-smart farming, Malaysia is not only protecting its heritage but also future-proofing food systems. 'This reaffirms our commitment to the National Agrofood Policy 2.0 – a comprehensive policy built to modernise Malaysia's agrofood sector and secure our food resilience for generations. 'The agrofood sector contributes not just to GDP but to the daily well-being of every Malaysian household,' he said at the International Café and Beverage Show 2025 (ICBS 2025) and MyFood 2025 today. Isham pointed out that the National Agrofood Policy 2.0 lays out a bold vision, which is to transform Malaysia's agrofood system into one that is resilient, sustainable, technologically advanced, and inclusive. Five strategic thrusts support this transformation – modernisation and smart agriculture, market and product development, human capital empowerment, sustainable and resilient food systems, and conducive business environment and governance. 'For 2025, we are prioritising the reformation of the paddy and rice industry, including upgrading paddy fields and restructuring the value chain. 'Our aim is to improve productivity, raise farmers' income, and ensure a rice supply chain that can weather global volatility and climate threats. We are also working to boost the productivity of the ruminant subsector and attract greater private sector participation in high-value areas such as aquaculture, floriculture and fruits. 'A thriving local agriculture base is the foundation of export readiness. As we strengthen domestic production, we are naturally better positioned to tap into export markets – especially with premium products like durian, edible bird's nest, and ornamental fish, which already enjoy global demand,' Isham said. He noted that the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry's export facilitation initiatives have yielded remarkable outcomes. He pointed out that in 2021, 296 Malaysian companies and 335 stock-keeping units (SKUs) were successfully introduced to international markets through various food expos around the globe. 'By 2024, these figures had soared to 2,704 companies and 3,838 SKUs, an impressive leap that reflects the rising global recognition of Malaysian agrofood excellence. In the years to come, I am confident that we will witness an upsurge in these figures as more of our local food producers penetrate the global market,' he said. As Malaysia pushes toward a more competitive agrofood industry, quality and trust become the nation's strongest differentiators, Isham said. 'That is why we continue to champion 'Malaysia's Best', a commitment to quality assurance and sustainable practices across the agrofood supply chain. From MyGAP to MyOrganic, and from Fama's Good Practice Labelling to globally accepted traceability systems, our certifications are not only benchmarks of safety and integrity but also symbols of Malaysian excellence.' Isham said through platforms such as MyFood, Malaysia can forge powerful collaborations between government, industry, academia, NGOs and agropreneurs and co-create solutions that are scalable, inclusive and future-focused. 'More than just a domestic showcase, an event like MyFood has also emerged as a catalyst in elevating Malaysia's agrofood identity on the global stage. By highlighting high-quality, value-added products, it opens up international markets for our local producers and enhances Malaysia's reputation as a reliable source of premium agro-based goods,' he added.
