Kuala lumpur: Food security was among the main issues raised by six debaters on the first day of the debate session on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2026 in the Senate today. Senator Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof proposed that the government implement high-tech agriculture such as precision farming and vertical farming, which does not require land, to address the country’s dependence on food supplies from abroad or imports.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Senator Mujahid emphasized the importance of exposing young people to high-tech agriculture. He described how this method allows individuals to work in controlled environments, eliminating the need to deal with traditional farming challenges. He highlighted the benefits of precision and vertical farming in terms of space utilization and technological advancement.

Commenting on the same matter, Senator Abun Sui Anyit advocated for the development of Sarawak as the country’s new rice bowl, citing its vast agricultural land. He stressed the need for optimal utilization of allocations to Sarawak’s agricultural sector to support rural communities reliant on agriculture for their livelihood. He pointed out that the Department of Agriculture in Sarawak received RM28 million for food security programs, while the Sarawak Irrigation and Drainage Department received RM9 million, but the padi industry development received only RM1.5 million.

Also raised during the debate session was a proposal for increased housing and development allocations for the Orang Asli community. Senator Manolan Mohamad called for more precise allocation of government funds to support the development of the Orang Asli community and entrepreneurs, highlighting the lack of home ownership among Orang Asli youths despite previous budgetary provisions. He suggested that local residents’ committees should manage the Commercial Replanting Scheme plantations developed by the Department of Orang Asli Development in collaboration with agencies like Felcra and Risda.