{
  "id": 15721330,
  "title": "Govt discusses measures to tackle glut of imported vegetables hurting local farmers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/govt-discusses-measures-to-tackle-glut-of-imported-vegetables-hurting",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-20T08:30:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/20/govt-discusses-measures-to-tackle-glut-of-imported-vegetables-hurting-local-farmers/239874"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, along with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, are deliberating on steps to tackle the influx of imported vegetables that is adversely impacting local farmers. Speaking at a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat, Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu revealed that the matter was discussed at the food security level and that new measures might be implemented to safeguard the position of vegetable growers in Malaysia, including those involved in fruit production.\n\nThe discussions also revolved around the implementation of the Certificate of Analysis (CoA), which became compulsory since June 1, 2026. Despite some views suggesting the measure was insufficient, the ministry is evaluating additional steps to ensure the competitiveness of local farmers.\n\nImported vegetables and fruits currently do not require good agricultural practices certification equivalent to the Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices Certification Scheme (myGAP), but they are subjected to import requirements such as import permits, phytosanitary certificates, and inspections by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS). Some vegetables experiencing oversupply include chillies, cabbage, round cabbage, mustard greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers, which have led to complaints from local growers, particularly in Cameron Highlands and Johor.\n\nRegarding the performance of myGAP certification since its introduction via the e-myGAP system in 2020, Mohamad explained that it was designed to reduce the certification period from two years to 90 working days without compromising compliance with Malaysian Standards. However, the timeframe depends on the farm's readiness and the applicant's adherence to all specified certification requirements.\n\nThe number of applications for certification has increased from 2,507 in 2021 to 3,652 in 2025, with 3,282 applications as of the latest data. While 206 applications were successfully certified within 90 working days in 2026, the majority still took longer, with 2,097 applications needing more than 90 working days, often due to corrective actions for non-compliance. Mohamad also mentioned that the Department of Agriculture would support farm operators in obtaining certification and that FAMA would intervene in marketing agricultural produce in cases of oversupply causing selling prices to fall below production costs.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) is in discussions with the Ministry of Inves...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}