One for the album: Anwar (centre) posing with guests at the MAHA 2024 exhibition in Serdang. Also at the event was Mohamad (on Anwar’s right). — Bernama
SERDANG: Malaysia’s agricultural landscape will undergo major transformation within the next one to two years, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Expressing his confidence, the Prime Minister’s optimism stems from the notable progress and advancements made by the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) under the leadership of its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
“If the current momentum of progress at KPKM, including its focus on durian cultivation and other key areas, continues, I am confident we will see significant changes in our agricultural landscape within one or two years.
“Therefore, I urge all agencies, including Mardi (Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute), the Agriculture Department and the Fisheries Department, to view this as a challenge,” he said in his speech when officiating the opening of MAHA 2024 here yesterday.
To prevent the country from falling behind in agricultural technology advancements and to enhance productivity, the Prime Minister urged players to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations.
For this, Anwar emphasised the need for KPKM to modernise the agricultural sector using cutting-edge technologies, stressing that the food industry remains a key pillar deserving full attention.
“We cannot expect higher agricultural yields without utilising technology, including AI. I have seen in several countries how AI is used to boost productivity in the agricultural sector.
“However, it requires a shift in mindset and the adoption of new practices. We must not allow this nation to fall behind in any field,” he said, calling upon the entire government machinery to rise as a unified force in every sector to make Malaysia a standout nation.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, also expressed hope that government subsidies for farmers, fishermen and smallholders will provide substantial benefits.
“This is a task entrusted to KPKM, and although progress was gradual in the first year, I am optimistic about the pace of improvement under Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu’s leadership as we enter the second year,” he said.
On the 100th edition of the MAHA 2024 exhibition, Anwar praised KPKM in making the event a flagship platform for educating the public on agriculture and highlighting its successes.
“Once again, I express my gratitude, especially knowing how my colleague (Mohamad) works. I hope this commitment serves as an example and inspiration to foster passion and determination among others,” he said.
In his speech, Mohamad said the agrifood sector contributed 10.9% to the GDP in the first quarter of this year, indicating positive growth.
He said this contribution came from three sub-sectors of agrifood: 3.1% from agriculture, 2.2% from manufacturing, and 5.6% from services.
Themed ‘Menuai Harapan Membina Masa Hadapan’ (Harvesting Hope, Building the Future), MAHA 2024 runs until Sept 22, with more information available from mahaofficial.my.
