Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has set two major priorities for this year – reforming the national rice and padi industry and increasing productivity in the ruminant sector, particularly beef and buffalo meat production.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the rice and padi industry reforms aim not only to ensure self-sufficiency in the local rice supply but also to modernise the sector with sustainable, competitive, and eco-friendly approaches. “Our primary focus is on rice because rice consumption in Malaysia is on the rise, driven largely by foreign workers from countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, and Indonesia, who rely heavily on rice as their staple food,” he stated.
As rice demand grows, the minister highlighted the necessity of increasing paddy production to achieve a national self-sufficiency level of 71 per cent, compared to the current 56 per cent. He noted challenges such as recent floods and prolonged droughts have further affected yields. The minister addressed these issues at the KPKM 2025 New Year Mandate Ceremony.
To enhance competitiveness, improve farmers’ welfare, and ensure a secure rice supply, KPKM has outlined four key strategies. These include upgrading irrigation infrastructure, developing new granary zones in Sabah and Sarawak, redeveloping abandoned padi fields nationwide, and restructuring the rice and padi value chain.
Mohamad emphasised the importance of upgrading facilities to improve water supply to padi-growing regions, urging comprehensive action in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) to resolve irrigation issues. He also stressed the need for intensified discussions with the state governments of Sarawak and Sabah to establish new granary areas.
The minister stated that a Joint Cooperation Committee between KPKM and the state ministries must meet more regularly to develop strategies for establishing these granary areas. Additionally, KPKM plans to identify and redevelop abandoned paddy fields, particularly in Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.
Under the restructuring of the rice and padi value chain system, Mohamad intends to present proposals to the Cabinet, addressing issues such as the floor price of paddy to ensure the welfare of farmers and benefit the public.
On increasing ruminant productivity, Mohamad announced KPKM’s plans to import more breeds from overseas to boost domestic meat production, addressing challenges such as grazing areas, livestock smuggling, and access to quality feed.
A Special Committee on Ruminant Industry Empowerment was established to focus on increasing livestock populations, addressing smuggling issues, and strengthening breeding programmes. Mohamad stressed the importance of high-impact engagement sessions and coordinated actions to ensure progress in these priorities.
The minister called for every party involved to take full responsibility and focus their efforts to achieve these objectives within the set timeframe, aiming to build confidence among stakeholders through early, encouraging results.