Anwar calls for immediate halt to fertiliser , seed monopolies

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the antiquated system of importing seeds through cartels and monopolies must be terminated immediately . Decisions made in the future must be based on data while giving priority to the well-being of farmers , fishermen , and smallholders .

“ In order to ensure that productivity is maintained , the entire ecosystem needs to be streamlined , particularly with the participation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ( KPKM ) and other ministries that are particularly pertinent .”

In contrast to the past , cartels and monopolies will no longer be able to exert control over seeds and fertilisers .

He said this during the opening of the Malaysia Agriculture , Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition ( MAHA ) 2024 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park ( MAEPS ) on Sep 14 .

ESSENTIAL PILLAR

“ That is why it is essential to have a minister and a secretary-general who are firm in ensuring that the old cartel practices in fertiliser importation are eliminated ,” he said .

Chief Secretary Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar , as well as the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security , Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu , and his deputy Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup , were also present at the event .

The food industry , according to Anwar , who is also the Minister of Finance , is an essential pillar that the nation needs to build and concentrate on cultivating .

Consequently , he emphasised the significance of developing an ecosystem that was both holistic and sustainable , as opposed to relying simply on the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority ( FAMA ).

“ FAMA is a foundational component . There has been a huge improvement in its performance . Because of this , I want to emphasise how important it is for the ecosystem to function properly .”

According to him , the Agriculture Ministry is not just significant but strategically essential for our nation ’ s development .

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Moreover , the prime minister hoped that the subsidies provided by the government to farmers , fishers , and smallholders would result in significant and tangible benefits , bringing hope for the future of the sector .

He added : “ This is a task that has been entrusted to KPKM . Although progress was gradual in the first year , I am optimistic about the pace of improvement under Mohamad Sabu ’ s leadership as we enter the second year .”

RESORTS World Genting ( RWG ) wrapped up its first sustainability-focused trade show , Genting SustainBiz F & B Expo .

Held on Sep 10-12 at the Genting International Convention Centre , the expo marked a step forward in promoting sustainable practices within Malaysia ’ s food and beverage ( F & B ) industry .

The expo focused on advancing sustainability efforts across food production , seafood sourcing , and packaging . Equally emphasised were discussions on regenerative agricultural practices , plant-based innovations , and food research developments .

Malaysia ’ s F & B industry generated RM228.66 billion in revenue in 2023 . The industry is expected

Mohamad Sabu stated that the agricultural and food industry made a contribution of 10.9 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) during the first three months of this year , which was indicative of good economic growth .

According to him , this contribution was made by three sub-sectors of the agri-food industry : 3.1 per

to grow at an annual rate of 7.95 per cent from 2023 to 2027 , evidently becoming a significant contributor to the nation ’ s gross domestic product ( GDP ).

RWG Senior Vice President of Sales , Marketing , and Public Relations , Spencer Lee , said : “ Sustainability and the trend of ‘ being green ’ has become a strategic imperative for businesses worldwide . In bringing forth this timely endeavour , we expect Genting SustainBiz to be attractive not only to F & B and hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs but also to investors , environmental advocates , academics , and policymakers .”

RWG formalised partnerships by signing five MoUs over two days . It involved Nestle Malaysia cent came from agriculture , 2.2 per cent from manufacturing , and 5.6 per cent from services .

“ Menuai Harapan Membina Masa Hadapan ” was the theme of MAHA 2024 . The objective of the event was to acquire approximately RM6 billion in memorandum of understanding agreements and RM40 million in direct sales .

( From left ) Spencer Lee , Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan , President and Chief Operating Officer of RWG Lee Thiam Kit , and Executive Vice President of Leisure , Hospitality and Lifestyle Peter Foster .

Bhd , Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd ( F & N ), PNH Malaysia Sdn Bhd , Farm Fresh Bhd , and Aquina Trading Sdn Bhd .

Various aspects of sustainable farming and food practices were made clear via the MoUs . What followed were key initiatives such as raising nutritional awareness , supporting local agriculture , integrating local farmers into the supply chain , upcycling food waste into eco-friendly products , and shifting towards plant-based food sources .

The Deputy Minister of Tourism , Arts and Culture ( MOTAC ) Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan praised the expo ’ s role in reinforcing Malaysia ’ s position as an international hub for trade and MICE . – @ AGROBiz