More money for Agriculture Ministry? Anwar says maybe — if the books stay clean, so farmers won’t suffer

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim suggested that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security could receive a larger budget allocation in the 2027 budget, contingent on the ministry maintaining proper financial management. This proposal was made following Minister Mohamad Sabu's call for additional funds during the closing ceremony of a recent agriculture exhibition.

Anwar, who also serves as the finance minister, stated that funding increases could be considered if the ministry ensures that public funds are managed efficiently and reach key stakeholders such as farmers, fishers, and paddy planters. "We must ensure good management," Anwar emphasized, as large expenditures require careful oversight.

If mismanagement occurs, it would disproportionately affect those most reliant on the sector. Mohamad, also known as Mat Sabu, elaborated that the additional funds would be used to prepare for potential challenges, including the ongoing El Niño phenomenon and rising fertiliser prices due to geopolitical tensions. He added that the ministry has already outlined its requirements and early mitigation strategies, particularly in response to rising temperatures.

The request for supplementary funds is expected to be part of the upcoming 2027 budget tabled by the government.