The government aims to produce over 14,000 metric tronnes of onions by 2030, with a total investment of RM100mil. The long-term goal is to make Malaysia self-sufficient in onion production.
PETALING JAYA: The government has earmarked RM12mil for 2025 to expand and modernise the onion supply chain, aiming to make Malaysia self-sufficient in onion production and reduce reliance on imports.
Agriculture Department director-general Datuk Nor Sam Alwi said that the government is committed to developing a sustainable onion industry that empowers local farmers and strengthens Malaysia’s agricultural sector.“This fund will be allocated to develop infrastructure, including irrigation systems, storage and drying facilities that will support the entire onion supply chain.
“The fund will also be used to provide technical assistance, support and training or capacity building for farmers, ensuring they adopt the latest farming techniques and best practices.”
She explained that the initiative would help Malaysia lower its import dependence ratio (IDR), enhance the self-sufficiency rate (SSR) and improve food security, while also creating job opportunities.
A strategic multi-phase programme
The government has launched a multi-phase pilot programme in Ladang Bikam, Perak on Jan 24. The first phase of this pilot project covers several hectares, with an anticipated yield of four metric tonnes per hectare.
Under this programme, the government provided essential resources such as planting materials, technical training and marketing assistance to farmers to establish a foundation for future expansion.
The project’s success is expected to spur further phases, enabling a stable supply of onions throughout the year. This gradual approach aims to scale up production in strategic areas to meet Malaysia’s onion needs more sustainably, aligning with the government’s focus on building agricultural self-sufficiency.
Technological advancements
To improve efficiency, the government is promoting modern farming practices, including precision agriculture, mechanised planting techniques, automated irrigation systems and advanced post-harvest processing techniques.
Nor Sam pointed out that these innovations would help farmers to increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and yield high-quality produce, resulting in a more competitive onion supply chain.
Additionally, she said, the initiative seeks to address challenges in onion production including high labour costs and inconsistent year-round production.
“Seasonal variations, poor infrastructure and limited access to quality seeds have affected onion production.
“Providing better infrastructure, improved irrigation systems, high-quality seeds alongside technical training for farmers are among the strategies designed to address these challenges,” she pointed out.
With local farmers at the core of this initiative, the government is working closely with them in providing high-quality planting materials, technical know-how and infrastructure support.
“In return, farmers are expected to implement advanced farming practices that will help boost productivity and meet the country’s growing demand.”
Vision for a greater impact
The government has outlined a strategic plan to obtain a 30% SSR in onion production by 2030.
The plan consists of three phases: seed development (2021-2030), pre-commercial scale (2024-2025) and commercial scale (2026-2030).
Under the pre-commercial phase, 26.55ha has been developed for onion cultivation in 2024, covering Perak, Selangor, Penang, Kelantan, Pahang, and Perlis.
“In the next few years, the government expects a substantial increase in local onion production, thereby boosting domestic supply and reducing imports,” Nor Sam said.
By 2030, the government aims to develop 1,347ha, with key locations including Kuala Bikam in Perak and the Agrofood Park (TKPM) Ara Kuda in Penang, producing over 14,000 metric tonnes of onions with a total investment of RM100mil under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
Beyond spurring local onion production, this initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities in rural areas and stimulate economic growth.
Additionally, by reducing import dependence ratio, the initiative also enhances Malaysia’s agricultural resilience and builds a stronger foundation for long-term food security.
“This initiative strengthens Malaysia’s agricultural sector and uplifts our local communities.
“We are laying the groundwork for a self-reliant future, where Malaysia can produce enough for its people and create sustainable growth for its farmers,” she said.
“This initiative aligns with the broader goal of strengthening Malaysia’s agricultural sector, making it more competitive and sustainable in the long term,” Nor Sam concluded.
