Malaysia must speed up agricultural modernisation to strengthen food security, says Mat Sabu

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has urged Malaysia to accelerate the modernization of its agricultural sector to strengthen food security. He emphasized that Malaysia could learn from countries like Brazil, which increased its agricultural output by employing a market guarantee system, rather than solely relying on subsidies. The Brazilian government guarantees to purchase unsold produce, encouraging farmers to work harder and increase their output, assured Mohamad.

Speaking at the Malaysia Madani Intellectual Forum Series 14, Mohamad also highlighted that Malaysia had achieved self-sufficiency in fish and chicken production, as well as egg production. The ministry is promoting grain corn cultivation in collaboration with major companies, with a goal of meeting 30% of domestic demand by 2030. They are also expanding onion cultivation based on research conducted by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi).

Mohamad stressed the importance of strengthening links between agricultural research institutions, universities, and farmers, citing Thailand as an example. He urged the public to be prepared for potential cyberwarfare disruptions to food supply chains, although he assured that Malaysia's basic food supplies were sufficient, with rice buffer stocks for at least six months and fish supplies for eight months.

The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) is also prepared to manage physical food distribution if digital system access is disrupted.