Kuala lumpur: The Perak state government is encouraging retired civil servants to venture into modern agriculture and the agrofood industry by leveraging their experience and expertise to help strengthen the state's economy and food security agenda.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun highlighted that retirees possess extensive experience in administration, finance, project management, and engineering, which could be utilized to drive the sector's development. He emphasized that the agriculture sector is no longer viewed as a traditional occupation but has evolved into a high-technology industry offering substantial economic returns.
"Today's agriculture uses mechanisation, automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and data analytics, so retirees are also encouraged to explore these areas," Mohd Zolkafly stated. "When retirees' experience is combined with modern technology, it can produce more successful agrofood entrepreneurs and contribute to the state's economic growth," he added during the national-level 2026 Retirees' Day celebration organised by the Malaysian Government Retirees Association (KUPEKMAS) at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building.
Also present at the event were KUPEKMAS president Datuk Omar Osman and Perak KUPEKMAS chairman Hassan Saadan. Mohd Zolkafly affirmed that the state government, through relevant departments and agencies, is ready to assist retirees interested in venturing into agriculture through training programmes, technology transfer, technical advisory services, entrepreneurship development, and marketing networks.
The initiative aligns with the aspirations of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan, which focuses on human capital empowerment, increased quality investments, and strengthening food security. "We also urge government-linked companies (GLCs), financial institutions, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to strengthen cooperation in providing more economic opportunities and social safety nets to improve the well-being of retirees," he stated.
Meanwhile, Mohd Zolkafly expressed appreciation on behalf of the state government to Perak KUPEKMAS for its continuous efforts in supporting retirees and ensuring their contributions to national development are valued. In support of KUPEKMAS activities and welfare programmes, he presented an RM10,000 state government allocation to the organization.