Amman:The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Malaysia has been allocated RM6.92 billion through Budget 2027, marking an increase of RM50.31 million from the previous amount. This boost aims to enhance the country's food security and improve the welfare of farmers, breeders, and fishermen.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the allocation includes RM4.85 billion for operating expenses and RM2.07 billion for development expenses. The increase demonstrates the government's commitment to strengthening the agri-food sector, increasing local food production, and reducing dependency on imports.
Budget 2027 focuses on bolstering local food production, enhancing the resilience of the agri-food sector, and ensuring the welfare of agricultural workers. This approach is designed to ensure the availability of sufficient, safe, high-quality, and affordable food, while also reducing import reliance and addressing economic challenges and climate change.
The allocation will support various strategic initiatives aligned with the National Agro-Food Policy 2021-2030 (DAN 2.0) and the National Food Security Policy 2030 (DKMN 2030). A significant portion, RM2.62 billion, is dedicated to providing subsidies and incentives for farmers, including assistance with seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, plowing wages, and rice price subsidies.
Additionally, the Padi Harvesting Incentive (IPP) rate has been increased from RM50 to RM100 per hectare per season, while the Plowing Incentive for Farmers (IPKP) of RM300 per hectare per season remains in place and is extended to padi farmers in Sabah and Sarawak.
The government has allocated RM300 million to enhance cooperation between federal and state governments through the National Agro-Food Empowerment Programme (PPAN) to boost community-level food production. Furthermore, RM1 billion in financing is available through Agrobank, Bank Rakyat, and the Malaysian Cooperative Commission to support the increase in agricultural yields and the adoption of modern technology.
To alleviate living costs for the B40 and M40 communities, 5,000 Agro MADANI Sales events will continue, offering fresh agricultural products at prices up to 30% cheaper. The Rahmah Basic Contribution (SARA) program will also expand to 216 farmers' markets nationwide.
In the fisheries sector, the government is providing RM178 million, which includes catch incentives and a Cost of Living Allowance of up to RM300 per month for fishermen. The subsidised diesel price of RM1.65 per litre will be maintained for eligible fishermen. Additionally, RM30 million is allocated to increase the number of special boat licence holders from 17,000 to 20,000.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is committed to ensuring that these allocations and initiatives are implemented efficiently and effectively, based on good governance, to benefit the intended target groups. The ministry believes that Budget 2027 will serve as a catalyst for strengthening food security and developing a modern, sustainable, and competitive agri-food sector in line with the MADANI government's aspirations and the goals of DAN 2.0 and DKMN 2030.