Serdang: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has indicated a potential increase in the budget allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) for the year 2027, citing the ministry's commendable performance this year as a key factor.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the importance of MAFS in supporting and implementing programs that aim to strengthen the agricultural sector in the country. He highlighted the commitment of the MADANI Government to prioritize the development of programs under the ministry and acknowledged the suggestions made by Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu during budget discussions.
Anwar made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026, held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS). The event was attended by notable figures including Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amiruddin Shari, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and MAFS secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak.
The Prime Minister expressed support for increasing the ministry's funding, emphasizing the benefits it would bring to farmers, paddy farmers, smallholders, and fishermen. However, he stressed the need for strict governance to ensure the proper use of funds and prevent misappropriation.
Anwar also lauded the success of MAHA 2026, noting its record attendance and significant sales figures, which underscore the public's interest in the agricultural sector. The event attracted over 4.3 million visitors and achieved total sales of RM66.88 million.
He attributed the event's success to the participation of diverse stakeholders, including smallholders, farmers, investors, and entrepreneurs from various segments of the agricultural industry. The 14th edition of MAHA, which ran from August 28 to September 6, featured around 2,000 exhibitors and aimed to attract more than four million visitors. It serves as a central platform for showcasing innovation, technology, and business opportunities in the agri-food sector.