KUALA LUMPUR – The agro-food sector in Malaysia, encompassing agriculture, manufacturing, and services, saw a modest growth of 0.3% in the first quarter of 2024, reaching a value of RM43.3 billion. This growth is attributed to effective strategies in managing the nation’s food supply system, according to Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
During a parliamentary session at the Dewan Rakyat, Kurup reported that the agro-food sector contributed 10.9% to Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He highlighted the sector’s performance across its three main components: agriculture grew by 1.6%, manufacturing by 0.5%, and services by 3.9%.
Kurup was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodi (GPS-Sri Aman) regarding the strategies to manage and enhance Malaysia’s food supply system, with a focus on food safety monitoring, food waste management, and the promotion of local food products.
Key strategies by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) to boost agricultural production and promote local agro-food products include the expansion of the Large-Scale SMART Padi Field Project (SMART SBB) and strengthening the aquaculture industry. Kurup also noted efforts to enhance the beef cattle industry and intensify research, development, commercialisation, and innovation (R&D&C&I) activities.
Addressing food safety, Kurup stated that the Ministry of Health functions as both the Competent and Regulatory Authority. Initiatives to ensure food safety include the implementation of the Food Safety Assurance Programme, the certification of organic food, and stringent product safety measures.
At the agricultural level, KPKM has implemented measures to manage post-harvest losses. These measures focus on comprehensive padi management and enhancing the marketability of fresh produce to minimize losses.
“The Ministry of Health’s initiatives, combined with KPKM’s strategies, aim to ensure a robust and resilient food supply system in Malaysia,” Kurup concluded.
This report underscores the collaborative efforts between various governmental departments and agencies to sustain and enhance the agro-food sector, ensuring food security and economic stability for Malaysia.
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