Fast, factual wire coverage from across Malaysia and the region.
The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority has appointed Faisal Iswardi Ismail as its new director-general, effective August 1. Agriculture Minister Mohamad Sabu presented the appointment letter, highlighting FAMA's critical role in supporting farmers and the national food supply chain.
The Malaysia Social Innovation Programme has assisted more than 6,700 community members through 67 projects worth RM13.97 million, with aquaponics systems enabling sustainable food production and local economic growth.
Central Spectrum has donated RM10,000 in Food Bank vouchers to four mosques in Pulau Indah, Klang, as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts to support vulnerable families in the community.
Malaysia's amended rice control legislation will enforce compliance among wholesalers, millers and retailers rather than paddy farmers, says Deputy Agriculture Minister Chan Foong Hin.
The inaugural Road to MAHA Labuan 2026 has exceeded expectations by drawing 30,837 visitors and generating almost RM800,000 in sales during its opening two days, demonstrating robust public interest in agriculture and agro-based entrepreneurship.
Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has stressed that food security must be treated as a national strategic imperative, citing ongoing geopolitical conflicts and climate volatility as direct threats to Malaysia's food supply.
Brunei's Foreign Minister Prince 'Abdul Mateen has urged deeper regional cooperation on food and energy security at major ASEAN forums in Manila, proposing new mechanisms to address supply chain vulnerabilities.
Employment among agricultural TVET graduates in Malaysia has risen to 76% in 2024 from 61% in 2018, though it remains below the national TVET average of 95%. A new government study reveals income advantages in the farm sector.
The Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam Foundation has launched a food assistance initiative targeting 2,000 economically disadvantaged households across Melaka, distributing monthly provisions over 12 months starting with an initial cohort of 200 families.
MAHA Pahang 2026 is poised to become a significant agricultural showcase, with organisers projecting more than 100,000 visitors and RM1.3 million in commercial transactions across a four-day festival at Dataran Raub.
Malaysia's Finance Ministry has clarified that budgetary savings from its targeted RON95 petrol subsidy scheme are being redirected towards expanded social assistance and food security initiatives, rather than retained as government surplus.
A senior economist cautions that Malaysia's proposed petroleum reserve should be embedded within a comprehensive economic security framework covering food, critical minerals, semiconductors and digital infrastructure rather than treated as an isolated energy initiative.
Malaysia is intensifying measures to combat El Niño's threat to food security through improved water management, drought-resistant rice varieties, and expanded support for affected farmers, with RM84 million distributed since 2024.
Malaysia is actively negotiating with Thailand to lift nearly a decade-long ban on Malaysian shrimp exports and to secure market access for livestock products. The government has identified these trade issues as priorities for national food security.
Parliament today examined the government's preparedness for the approaching El Niño phenomenon, which threatens agricultural output and food security, while lawmakers also probed an armed forces training explosion and rising diabetes cases among young Malaysians.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to take immediate steps to protect Malaysia's food supply from an impending Super El Niño weather phenomenon, signalling heightened government focus on agricultural resilience.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to develop urgent countermeasures against an anticipated Super El Niño phenomenon expected to strike Malaysia this November, threatening national food production and farmer livelihoods.
Singapore and Malaysia have pledged to strengthen cooperation across food security, energy, and other strategic areas during President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's inaugural state visit, with both nations reaffirming commitment to international maritime law.
Indonesia's state logistics agency Bulog is actively negotiating rice export agreements with Malaysia and Singapore, with discussions focusing on pricing and delivery terms as part of President Prabowo's economic strategy.
Parliament has approved amendments to the Control of Padi and Rice Act, raising maximum penalties to RM250,000 for individuals and RM1 million for companies to combat smuggling and market manipulation in Malaysia's rice sector.
Malaysia's rice buffer stock can sustain domestic demand for six months, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir confirmed, while the government pledges to keep Local White Rice prices unchanged despite global uncertainties.
Malaysia's agricultural incentive schemes are delivering measurable improvements in domestic food production, particularly in beef, buffalo meat, and dairy sectors, Deputy Agriculture Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin told Parliament.
Parliament convenes to address Malaysia's stance on UN Security Council reform, government readiness for projected food shortages, and armed forces supply chain vulnerabilities amid geopolitical tensions.
Malaysia's Economy Ministry is requesting an extension of the IPR-INSAN food entrepreneurship programme, citing strong evidence of income generation for B40 entrepreneurs and affordable meal access for students.
Malaysia and Thailand have signed a comprehensive agricultural memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening food security and resolving longstanding trade disputes over seafood products, while pursuing a broader regional economic partnership.
Malaysia and Thailand have resolved longstanding fisheries trade disputes and agreed to activate a comprehensive agricultural cooperation memorandum within one week, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties during Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul's first official visit.
Malaysia has kept food prices stable despite US-Iran tensions disrupting global supply chains, using targeted subsidies for farmers and strategic stockpiling. Experts warn long-term food security requires reducing import dependence.
Malaysia's parliament has begun considering amendments to the Control of Padi and Rice Act that would grant regulators broader authority over rice pricing while imposing much steeper financial and criminal penalties for breaches.
Malaysia's eCOSS mobile application has successfully reduced leakages of subsidised cooking oil since its launch in May 2024, with 5.26 million users registered and average monthly purchases reaching 18 million packets.
Malaysia is negotiating with Thailand and China's General Administration of Customs to create an overland durian export route, potentially reducing shipping costs and opening access to Chinese regional markets.
A Johor oil palm smallholder has transformed a RM15,000 government grant into nearly RM126,000 in gross income within three years by integrating duck farming with his plantation, demonstrating the potential of diversification schemes.
Indonesia confronts an escalating water crisis as El Niño-fuelled drought spreads across multiple regions. Authorities have placed dozens of areas on high alert, affecting over 7,800 households and threatening food security nationwide.
Malaysia aims to slash food imports by half within three decades, with Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid outlining a phased approach targeting 15% reduction by 2030 and 30% by 2040.
Malaysia's agricultural institute is developing homegrown onion seeds to reduce import dependence by around RM300 million by 2030, part of a broader strategy to boost national food security and domestic farm production.
FAMA's Agro MADANI Sales initiative has generated RM46.72 million across 1,833 programmes in the first five months of the year, strengthening Malaysia's agri-food marketing chain and supporting local entrepreneurs.