@AGROBiz November/December 2025 | Page 5

LOCAL NEWS
November-December. 2025 | @ AGROBiz

LOCAL NEWS

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Growing smarter with tech

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new milestone in Malaysia’ s smart agriculture journey was marked as Universiti Putra Malaysia( UPM) and Malaysian Technology Development Corporation( MTDC) launched the Plant Factory-UPM-MTDC Signature Programme, a modern facility designed to integrate advanced indoor farming and technologydriven crop production.
The programme, which began in Dec 2020 under the MTDC-UPM Flagship collaboration, aimed to accelerate the commercialisation of research and innovation in Malaysia’ s agro-food industry. According to MTDC, the Plant Factory served as a hub for urban agriculture and smart-farming practices, providing training, innovation platforms, and industry linkages for agri-entrepreneurs.
With total funding of RM582,025 – shared between MTDC( 40 per cent) and UPM( 60 per cent) – the Plant Factory began operations on Jan 15. The facility’ s first production batch yielded Green Coral lettuce at RM6 per kg, generating around 100 kg per week. Trials on other premium varieties, such as red coral, red oak, curly kale, baby spinach, and microgreens,
were also being conducted, targeting retail prices of RM12 to RM20 per kg.
“ These early results demonstrate a clear pathway from controlledenvironment cultivation to market, as well as a platform for value-added products including ready-to-eat items,” MTDC said in a statement.
MTDC Group Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Hazani Hassan said the project focused on measurable outcomes for both industry players and entrepreneurs.
“ By pairing MTDC funding with structured incubation and handson consultancy, the programme reduces adoption risk for small and medium enterprises( SMEs) and accelerates Malaysia’ s smartfarming footprint,” he said.
UPM Vice-Chancellor Prof Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah said the partnership strengthened UPM’ s role in bridging academic research with industry practice.
Farhan noted:“ Students,
TRANSFORMING AGRI PRACTICES: The Plant Factory initiative aims to fast-track Malaysia’ s transition towards sustainable and technology-led agriculture.
researchers, and partners can co-develop climate-resilient cultivation, while entrepreneurs gain a test-bed to meet market standards and scale responsibly.”
Officiated by Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari, the Plant Factory supported the National Agrofood Policy 2021 – 2030 and Malaysia’ s Sustainable Development Goals( SDGs), serving as a platform for SMEs and farmers to transition into technology-based agriculture.

LKIM tightens regulations

THE Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia( LKIM) has taken measures to suspend diesel subsidies and blacklist 119 fishing vessels as of Aug, as part of efforts to prevent misuse and improve subsidy management.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the government has capped the subsidised diesel quota for the fishing sector at 70 million litres per month since 2019, down from 80 million litres previously. This initiative allows coastal fishermen, as well as operators in Zones A, B and C, to purchase diesel at RM1.65 per litre, helping to reduce operational costs.
“ However, deep-sea fishermen operating in Zone C2 are not eligible to receive subsidised diesel, as they are commercial fishermen who generally have stronger financial capacity,” he said.
Amir Hamzah added:“ It is also part of the government’ s efforts to address the issue of diesel leakage, particularly in deep-sea areas,”
while responding to Datuk Awang Hashim( PN-Pendang) during committee-level debates on the Supply Bill 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat.
He noted that the LKIM had launched the MyIsytihar application in 2024 to ensure that fishermen declare their catch before receiving diesel subsidies. Enforcement
operations have also been enhanced through joint initiatives with enforcement agencies to strengthen border controls and curb smuggling via land and sea routes.
Highlighting the broader impact on agriculture, Amir Hamzah said 180,000 paddy farmers, breeders, and smallholders had benefited
SAFEGUARDING FISHERMEN: These measures aim to protect coastal communities, support smallholders, and promote sustainable operations in the fishing industry.
from the BUDI Agri-Komoditi programme, with payments totalling RM350 million as of Sept 30, 2025. Participants receive RM200 per month, or RM2,400 per year, under the scheme administered by the relevant ministry.
These measures, he said, are designed to ensure targeted support reaches those who genuinely need it while minimising misuse of public funds.- @ AGROBiz