Its Minister , Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu , highlighted that reforms in the rice and paddy sector were crucial to ensure national selfsufficiency and modernising the industry with sustainable and competitive 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 said .

Malaysia ’ s self-sufficiency in rice stands at 56 per cent , but the government aims to increase this to 71 per cent .

However , challenges such as extreme weather conditions , including floods and droughts , continue to affect yield .

THE WAY FORWARD

To tackle these challenges , KPKM has introduced four key strategies ;

• improving irrigation infrastructure ,

• developing new granary zones in Sabah and Sarawak ,

• reviving abandoned paddy fields and

• restructuring the rice and paddy value chain . “ I urge the ( ministry ) Secretary-

General ( Datuk Seri Isham Ishak ) to ensure these challenges are resolved effectively through funding allocations under RMK-13 ,” Mohamad stated , emphasising the need for irrigation upgrades in all paddy-growing regions .

Granary zones were intensely discussed with Sabah and Sarawak .

Mohamad explained : “ The Joint Cooperation Committee between KPKM and the Sarawak Ministry of Food Industry , Commodity , and Regional Development , along with the Sabah Ministry of Agriculture , Fisheries , and Food Industry , must convene more regularly to develop the best strategies for establishing these granary areas .”

Mohamad also acknowledged

Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu

concerns about paddy pricing and pledged to present proposals to the Cabinet regarding the role of Padiberas Nasional Bhd and rice pricing reforms .

“ I fully understand the grievances of our paddy farmers regarding the floor price of paddy , which is deemed no longer relevant to current circumstances ,” he added .

The ministry plans to import more livestock breeds to strengthen domestic meat production to boost ruminant productivity .

Mohamad noted that beef and buffalo meat are vital to Malaysia ’ s food security but face multiple challenges , including grazing area shortages , smuggling , low birth

rates , and disease outbreaks .

“ A Special Committee on Ruminant Industry Empowerment was established on Nov 22 last year to address these challenges ,” he revealed , adding that its focus includes increasing livestock numbers , combating smuggling , and enhancing breeding programs .

Mohamad stressed the importance of swift action and high-impact engagements to ensure progress . “ Early , encouraging results must be shown to build confidence among all stakeholders in the ongoing efforts ,” he said , calling for full commitment from all parties involved in achieving these objectives within the set timeframe .