16 AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY @ AGROBiz | September-October. 2025
16 AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY @ AGROBiz | September-October. 2025
Expanding agro trade between nations
SHARED AGRO VISION: Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu( right) and Kazakhstan’ s Arman Shakkaliyev reaffirm cooperation in agriculture and food security.
SHAPING MALAYSIA’ S AGROFUTURE: Leaders of PNB and MAFS after signing the MoU to advance research and food security.
PNB and MAFS join forces
• The MoU between PNBRI and MAFS aims to advance agrofood research, focusing on data analytics, vocational training, and upcoming census findings.
• The partnership reflects PNB’ s commitment to sustainable, impact-driven investment aligned with ESG principles.
• Malaysia and Kazakhstan reaffirm cooperation in agriculture, food security, and modern agricultural technology.
MALAYSIA’ S agrofood sector is set to receive a major boost following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding( MoU) between Permodalan Nasional Bhd( PNB)— through its research arm PNB Research Institute( PNBRI)— and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security( MAFS).
Formalised on Sept 9, the collaboration aims to strengthen research capabilities and promote evidence-based policymaking for the agriculture industry.
The MoU was signed by MAFS Secretary-General Datuk Seri Isham Ishak and PNBRI Chief Executive Officer Dr Sarena Che Omar, and witnessed by MAFS Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and PNB Group Chairman Raja Tan Sri Arshad Raja Tun Uda.
Raja Arshad said the partnership highlights PNB’ s long-term vision to create value beyond financial returns.
“ The Ministry’ s willingness to share relevant data and information is extremely important and meaningful to us. In return, PNBRI will give its full commitment to conducting in-depth, high-quality research,” he noted.
“ This collaboration will help the government formulate more effective policies while delivering significant impact on the agriculture industry, food security, and national development as a whole.”
He added that the initiative supports the GEAR-uP programme under the MADANI Economic Framework, which mobilises government-linked investment companies( GLICs) to strengthen key sectors of the economy.
Mohamad Sabu described the MoU as a“ crucial step forward” for Malaysia’ s agrofood agenda, focusing on three main areas: 1. Agricultural data analysis and sharing of expertise.
2. Development of TVET( technical and vocational education and training) in agriculture.
3. Application of findings from the upcoming 2024 Agricultural Census.
“ This MoU is a proactive step by MAFS to formulate stronger policies based on accurate data and evidence,” said Mohamad.“ It will serve as the foundation for integrated policies under the National Agrofood Policy( NAP) 2021 – 2030( NAP 2.0).”
He added that it reflects the government’ s determination to modernise agriculture while deepening collaboration between the public sector and GLICs.
VENTURES between the two countries could play a crucial role in addressing global food challenges and enhancing resilience across supply chains.
“ This visit is expected to unlock new market access for Malaysian agricultural products in Kazakhstan, including dairy and egg-based composites, as well as durian,” the Ministry said.
To deepen ties, Mohamad Sabu also invited Kazakhstan to participate in the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticultural and Agrotourism Exhibition( MAHA) 2026, a premier platform for agricultural innovation and trade partnerships.
In 2024, bilateral agricultural trade between Malaysia and Kazakhstan reached RM201.42 million, with Malaysia’ s exports accounting for RM200.98 million— comprising mainly coffee, cocoa, tea, spices, and processed food products. Imports from Kazakhstan largely consisted of food-based items.
For Malaysia, the collaboration not only opens new export markets but also reinforces national food security strategies. For Kazakhstan, it provides access to Malaysian expertise and a gateway to the global halal market.
Both nations view this partnership as a step toward modernising agriculture and building shared resilience in an increasingly volatile global food system.- @ AGROBiz