Kerajaan ketat kawalan sayur import elak petani tempatan terjejas

The Malaysian government is implementing stringent controls on the import of vegetables, particularly from China, to prevent cheap produce from undercutting local farmers, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu. The move is crucial in the face of price competition when imported vegetables can be sold at lower prices than domestic products.

At a session in the Dewan Rakyat, Mohamad explained that the government's high analysis of imported vegetables from China is primarily aimed at controlling the influx of cheap vegetables that threaten local farmers' livelihoods. The minister stated that these measures are part of efforts to ensure local farmers can boost production and compete with imported goods.

When asked about the government's efforts to reduce reliance on food imports, which exceeded RM90 billion by 2025, Mohamad addressed the issue of price fluctuations, mentioning an incident in Cameron Highlands where vegetable farmers were forced to destroy crops due to inadequate market prices. The government also needs to ensure there is a sufficient market for locally-grown produce to encourage more young people to venture into the agricultural sector.

The federal government is working with state governments to provide land for increasing the production of vegetables, poultry, and oilseeds. According to Mohamad, government officials will continue to consult with state governments to identify suitable areas for the development of food production. The minister emphasized the need to strengthen efforts to increase local production to reduce dependence on food imports, while also boosting the export value of the agricultural sector.