Kuala Lumpur: Precision technology, robotics, and digitalisation, along with research and development (R and D), are essential for Malaysia to achieve food self-sufficiency, particularly in rice production, as the country faces rising costs and production inefficiencies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, food security expert Datin Paduka Prof Fatimah Mohamed Arshad emphasized the potential of robotics, connectivity, and technology to transform agriculture through digital tools and applications. In an interview on Bernama TV’s “The Nation” program, she noted that Malaysia’s food productivity is currently inadequate, threatening the country’s food security.
Fatimah, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Agricultural and Food Policy Studies at University Putra Malaysia, explained that while laboratory studies project rice yields of six to eight tonnes per hectare, structural issues and climate change hinder these results. She stressed the need for robust R and D, government support, infrastructure development, and timely interventions to improve production efficiency.
The expert highlighted Malaysia’s heavy reliance on imported agricultural inputs, including fertilisers, pesticides, machinery, and paddy harvesters, which are often outdated and unsuitable for local conditions. This dependence, combined with global inflation and supply chain disruptions, has made Malaysia’s food production system vulnerable.
Fatimah pointed out that rising input costs have significantly affected local farmers’ production capabilities. Food imports in 2024 are expected to surpass the RM78.7 billion imported in 2023 and RM75.6 billion in 2022, driven by inflationary pressures, higher fuel costs, and persistent global uncertainties.
She expressed concern that Malaysia’s food security achievement is moderate but weak in resiliency against crises, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Fatimah urged Malaysia to prioritize improving its food security performance and reducing imports to achieve self-sufficiency.
Drawing lessons from countries like China, Vietnam, and India, she highlighted their advancements in food production through smart agriculture and modern R and D. Fatimah emphasized that Malaysia has much to learn from these countries, particularly in embracing information and communications technology (ICT) for agricultural development.