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The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
DOSM to introduce National Agricultural Production Index
KEPALA BATAS: The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) will soon introduce a National Agricultural Production Index to strengthen food security by addressing critical data gaps in the agriculture sector. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the index, to be pushed quarterly, will offer a more comprehensive view of agricultural output, supporting evidence-based policymaking in a sector central to both livelihoods and economic stability. The index is being developed in collaboration with several government agencies and will mirror existing statistical frameworks used for the manufacturing, electricity and services sectors. 'This data will help identify which areas are experiencing increases in agricultural output and the information can be shared across agencies for planning and policy-making purposes,' he added. He was speaking to reporters after launching the 2024 Penang Interim Agriculture Census Report, officiated by State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol here today. Until now, national agricultural statistics have focused primarily on palm oil and padi production, which he described as 'not comprehensive.' The new index, he said, will offer more structured and detailed coverage of the broader agricultural sector. Preliminary findings from the 2024 Agriculture Census indicate that the sector recorded sales of RM161 billion in 2023, employing 1.7 million people. These figures underscore the industry's potential if backed by strategic policies and innovation. In Penang alone, agricultural sales reached RM3.5 billion, despite the state's small size. Individual farmers accounted for 93.1 per cent of agricultural holdings, with organisations making up the remaining 6.9 per cent. The census also highlighted the active role played by senior citizens, with more than half of Malaysians aged 60 and above still engaged in agriculture. Mohd Uzir noted that the presence of older farmers in the field remains strong, while youth involvement presents further opportunities to enhance sector productivity.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
DOSM to introduce National Agricultural Production Index in food security push
KEPALA BATAS: The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) will soon introduce a National Agricultural Production Index to strengthen food security by addressing critical data gaps in the agriculture sector. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the index, to be pushed quarterly, will offer a more comprehensive view of agricultural output, supporting evidence-based policymaking in a sector central to both livelihoods and economic stability. The index is being developed in collaboration with several government agencies and will mirror existing statistical frameworks used for the manufacturing, electricity and services sectors. 'This data will help identify which areas are experiencing increases in agricultural output and the information can be shared across agencies for planning and policy-making purposes,' he added. He was speaking to reporters after launching the 2024 Penang Interim Agriculture Census Report, officiated by State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol here today. Until now, national agricultural statistics have focused primarily on palm oil and padi production, which he described as 'not comprehensive.' The new index, he said, will offer more structured and detailed coverage of the broader agricultural sector. Preliminary findings from the 2024 Agriculture Census indicate that the sector recorded sales of RM161 billion in 2023, employing 1.7 million people. These figures underscore the industry's potential if backed by strategic policies and innovation. In Penang alone, agricultural sales reached RM3.5 billion, despite the state's small size. Individual farmers accounted for 93.1 per cent of agricultural holdings, with organisations making up the remaining 6.9 per cent. The census also highlighted the active role played by senior citizens, with more than half of Malaysians aged 60 and above still engaged in agriculture. Mohd Uzir noted that the presence of older farmers in the field remains strong, while youth involvement presents further opportunities to enhance sector productivity.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Penang Cracks Down on Durian Fraud in Balik Pulau
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government takes a serious view of the exploitation of local growers by rogue traders who import durians (from other states or Thailand) and sell it under the authentic Balik Pulau brand. State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said yesterday that his office had collaborated with police, the Department of Agriculture, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service (MAQIS) to set up roadblocks to detain agricultural products that do not comply with regulations. 'This operation is being carried out due to the issue of durians from outside Penang being brought into the state by unscrupulous traders to sell the fruit under the Balik Pulau durian brand. This issue was raised during the last State Assembly session. 'This restriction was also imposed to inspect vegetables and fruits to ensure they comply with the GPL (Grading, Packaging and Labelling) 2008 Regulations under FAMA ACT 141. Yesterday itself, three violation notices related to GPL were issued,' he said in a statement today. The GPL 2008 Regulations require that agricultural products must be graded, packaged and labelled before being marketed. The GPLs issued yesterday were the first of such imposed on wholesalers, who will face a maximum fine of up to RM25,000. Fahmi said the roadblock carried out from 8 pm to 11.30 pm yesterday was also the first of its kind held in Penang and will be implemented again at different locations in the future, to reinforce the state's commitment in protecting local farmers and consumers. Balik Pulau is famed for its many durian orchards, which produce the finest of varieties, such as Black Thorn, Red Prawn, Tupai King and Musang King.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Penang acts to protect growers from rogue traders exploiting state's authentic durian brand
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government takes a serious view of the exploitation of local growers by rogue traders who import durians (from other states or Thailand) and sell it under the authentic Balik Pulau brand. State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said yesterday that his office had collaborated with police, the Department of Agriculture, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service (MAQIS) to set up roadblocks to detain agricultural products that do not comply with regulations. 'This operation is being carried out due to the issue of durians from outside Penang being brought into the state by unscrupulous traders to sell the fruit under the Balik Pulau durian brand. This issue was raised during the last State Assembly session. 'This restriction was also imposed to inspect vegetables and fruits to ensure they comply with the GPL (Grading, Packaging and Labelling) 2008 Regulations under FAMA ACT 141. Yesterday itself, three violation notices related to GPL were issued,' he said in a statement today. The GPL 2008 Regulations require that agricultural products must be graded, packaged and labelled before being marketed. The GPLs issued yesterday were the first of such imposed on wholesalers, who will face a maximum fine of up to RM25,000. Fahmi said the roadblock carried out from 8 pm to 11.30 pm yesterday was also the first of its kind held in Penang and will be implemented again at different locations in the future, to reinforce the state's commitment in protecting local farmers and consumers. Balik Pulau is famed for its many durian orchards, which produce the finest of varieties, such as Black Thorn, Red Prawn, Tupai King and Musang King.
Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Penang to start using durian tracking system to curb fraud, report says
The system involves tagging the durians with a QR code that, once scanned, allows each fruit to be traced back to its farm. PHOTO: THE BUSINESS TIMES Penang to start using durian tracking system to curb fraud, report says KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia's state of Penang has urged its durian growers to register for a tracking system to curb the spread of counterfeit versions of the prickly, pungent fruit from June 1, according to national news agency Bernama. The state plans to make the 'Track and Trace' system mandatory for its 200 durian farmers as it seeks to restore consumer confidence in the fruit, State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee's Fahmi Zainol was cited as saying. About 60 growers have committed to using the system, which involves tagging the durians with a QR code that, once scanned, allows each fruit to be traced back to its farm, he said. The plan came about after local growers complained about the misuse and misrepresentation of Penang durians, he added. The fruit, with its creamy-like flesh and powerful aroma, is popular in Malaysia and much of South-east Asia. Malaysia exports durians to countries including China, and expects outbound shipments to rise to RM1.8 billion (S$547.5 million) by 2030, according to a 2024 Bernama article. BLOOMBERG Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
