Seven enforcement agencies under Agriculture Ministry to be merged, says Mat Sabu


PUTRAJAYA: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) will merge seven enforcement agencies under its purview to enhance regulation within the agro-food sector.

The agencies involved are the Kawalselia Padi dan Beras (KPB) regulatory body, the Department of Quarantine and Inspection Services Malaysia (Maqis), the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Veterinary Services, the Department of Fisheries, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) and the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM).

Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the reform proposal would be presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a meeting scheduled for Nov 1.

"The reform efforts undertaken by the ministry are not driven by any political agenda. Instead, they focus on the betterment and future of the industry,” he told reporters after the ministry’s monthly assembly here on Wednesday (Oct 9).

ALSO READ: Pineapple board should include durian commodity, says Mat Sabu

Also present were Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup and the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak.

Mohamad explained that the merger of these agencies would involve a total of 2,030 enforcement officers and 14 Acts to ensure more optimal enforcement to effectively address issues of leakage and smuggling.

He also mentioned that administrative reforms would soon be implemented at the Farmers’ Organisation Authority (LPP) and the National Farmers’ Organisation (Nafas).

"I am pleased to announce that through these initiatives, KPKM is the first ministry to respond to the Prime Minister’s call to implement public service reform through the consolidation of enforcement agencies,” he said. - Bernama

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

Post-mortem continues for woman found in freezer, say cops
VIP escort and covert manoeuvre training in Taiping from Nov 15 to Dec 2
Dr Wee ready to face rights and privileges committee, slams Kampar MP for twisting facts
Police revisit Taman OUG after discovery of woman’s remains in freezer
Duo nabbed hours after robbing Sg Petani store, cops uncover cache of explosives, drugs
Rat droppings, filthy floor found in two Penang eateries
Flash floods at Subang Jaya station disrupting KTM Komuter services
Northeast Monsoon: Ministry to ensure essential supplies are accessible, fairly priced, says Armizan
Corruption case death threats: Police, MCMC tracking those involved
Malaysia, Singapore sign MOU to combat cross-border crime

Others Also Read