Kuala lumpur: A proposal to increase and expand diesel subsidies for those in the agriculture sector, including padi farmers, crop farmers, and fishermen, will be brought to the Cabinet meeting tomorrow for further consideration and a decision. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced this initiative following deliberations at the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting earlier today. This move aims to alleviate the rising operational costs affecting the country's food production sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the proposal includes expanding diesel subsidies via the fleet card system to encompass more stakeholders within the agriculture sector. Additionally, there is a potential review of increasing the current subsidy rate. Mohamad stated, "This proposal will be brought to the Cabinet meeting tomorrow for a decision," during a press conference held after the launch of the National Ruminant Industry Empowerment Programme under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) with industry participants.
Furthermore, the government is investigating immediate strategies to counteract the potential rise in fertiliser prices, a significant cost factor across all agricultural areas. This issue is particularly critical for padi farmers and vegetable growers if prices escalate. Mohamad emphasized that addressing the rising input costs in fuel, fertiliser, and logistics is essential due to recent global developments impacting the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
The minister also revealed that the government is seeking alternative sources for fertiliser imports because of China's export restrictions. Discussions are underway with several countries, including Russia, to secure supply and negotiate pricing and terms.
Meanwhile, Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak assured that Malaysia currently has a sufficient livestock feed supply, thanks to preemptive imports secured before the West Asia conflict. However, he cautioned that supplies may dwindle in about a month, necessitating new imports.
Isham highlighted that Malaysia primarily imports livestock feed from Argentina and Brazil, noting that while current supplies are adequate, transportation costs could impact prices. Additionally, grain corn pilot projects in Cuping, Perlis, and Kota Belud, Sabah have yielded promising outcomes. Mohamad is expected to initiate a large-scale national grain corn planting programme in Cuping this June.
"We are planning that within the next four years, we will achieve a self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) of 30 per cent for grain corn to support the country's livestock feed needs," Isham stated.