PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia consistently adopts an open-door policy to bolster the agricultural sector and ensure food security, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said.

He said the government, particularly the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM), welcomes strategic partnerships from both local and international investors, while actively promoting public-private collaborations.

Mohamad said the National Agrofood Security Innovation programme (PINTAR), which outlines five key strategies across the crops, livestock, fisheries and agro-based industries, is a key example of a cooperative framework already in place.

‘Through the PINTAR initiative, comprehensive emphasis is placed on the implementation and integration of innovation and re-engineering throughout all aspects of the agro-food value chain,’ he said in his speech at the Asia Food Security Conference 2024 here today.

Mohamad said KPKM is also focused on strengthening international cooperation through numerous bilateral
and multilateral negotiations.

‘Last year, at the 45th ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF), Malaysia, as chair, reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing cooperation among member states to safeguard food security in the region.

‘We have also proposed two key economic priorities in preparation for Malaysia’s role as host and Chair of ASEAN next year. I am confident these will contribute to more sustainable agricultural development and further reinforce food security across ASEAN,’ he said.

Mohamad said the government remains committed to empowering the agricultural sector while simultaneously improving the livelihoods and socioeconomic standing of farmers, breeders and fishermen.

‘This year, RM6.17 billion has been allocated to the agriculture and food security sector, marking the largest budget in history for this sector,’ he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency