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BY ADELINE ANTHONY ALPHONSO
AS THE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security ( MAFS ), Datuk Seri Isham Ishak is tasked with steering the country ’ s agricultural sector through a necessary reset . With the current Twelfth Malaysia Plan ( RMK-12 ) drawing to a close , his strategy isn ’ t about flashy slogans - it ’ s about practical reform . In his eyes , this isn ’ t an abstract vision . It ’ s a measured plan meant to address long-standing issues and lay the foundation for a more selfreliant future .
REAL CHANGE IN AGRICULTURE
This year serves as the turning point . The ministry is using the current period as a base year to chart a new course under RMK-13 .
Isham explained : “ We are not planning merely for the next five years or even a decade .
“ In planning 15 years , the overall agriculture sector , especially the infrastructure , needs to be reorganised properly .”
His reference to irrigation systems that are nearly 50 years old is a stark reminder of the urgency f o r
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change . Rather than merely patching up old systems , the plan calls for a comprehensive overhaul - reforming and regrouping the entire ecosystem to support a modern agrofood industry .
The strategy rests on two central pillars : reducing the heavy reliance on imports and building domestic production . Isham is candid about the need for greater self-sufficiency .
“ We want to reduce our dependency on import and become more independent . Food security and food
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safety will be key features in the development of our agriculture in the next 15 years ,” said Isham .
“ This isn ’ t about a sudden pivot but rather a gradual , sustainable shift toward local production . By strengthening domestic capabilities , the ministry aims to ensure that Malaysia can eventually not only feed itself but also position itself as an exporter in the global market .
“ This approach is pragmatic - focused on long-term stability rather than short-term fixes .”
NEW BEGINNINGS
In tandem with infrastructure improvements and supplychain reforms , the ministry is also targeting a transformation in the sector ’ s human capital . Instead of clinging to traditional labels like “ farmers ” or “ fishermen ”, there is a move to rebrand these roles as “ agripreneurs ”.
Isham remarked : “ We are looking at calling them agripreneurs because they not only do the conventional type of farming , but they also use higher technology , higher IT application , and small area , high yield . “ This shift in termi-
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FOCUSED FUTURE
Underlying these initiatives is a strong call for collective responsibility .
Isham ’ s vision is not dictated from the top down ; it is a rallying cry for every stakeholder in the agriculture sector .
“ With the current global megatrends , agriculture will be vital as an agenda for food security . We need to plan properly and ensure that the food security of the country is 100 per cent secure ,” he stressed .
He also stressed that this message extends to state governments , local authorities , private enterprises , NGOs , and academic experts . Each has a role to play in creating a resilient and self-reliant agricultural system .
“ We want to reduce our dependency on import and become more independent . Food security and food safety will be key features in the development of our agriculture in the next 15 years .”
CLEAR COURSE
The emphasis is clear : genuine progress in agriculture is achievable only through collaboration and shared commitment .
By focusing on pragmatic reforms and gradual progress , Isham ’ s approach is refreshingly grounded . Rather than indulging in hyperbolic rhetoric , his plan speaks to the everyday realities faced by those working in the sector .
Overhauling outdated infrastructure , adopting modern technology , and nurturing a new generation of agripreneurs are not just lofty ideas - they are tangible steps toward a future where agriculture is more than a means of production ; it is a robust contributor to the country ’ s economic and social well-being .
While challenges such as ageing systems , import dependency , and the need for a generational shift in skill sets remain , MAFS ’ s roadmap is a sober reflection of the times . – @ AGROBiz
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