Sharp, essential news and analysis from Malaysia.
Malaysia's Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu says negotiations over Thailand shrimp imports will conclude by mid-August, following a temporary suspension imposed in June on five species.
Faisal Iswardi Ismail, former deputy director-general of FAMA, has been promoted to lead the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority from August 1, tasked with boosting local agricultural marketing and farmer incomes.
Malaysia maintains 1.237 million tonnes of rice reserves, sufficient for at least six months of supply, providing a buffer against potential global supply disruptions from West Asian tensions.
Malaysia's agriculture ministry has proposed a nationwide census to scientifically determine the country's national fruit, following formal applications from the durian and pineapple industries seeking the symbolic designation.
Malaysia is implementing comprehensive measures to mitigate El Nino's impact on food production, including advanced water management systems, development of drought-resistant rice varieties, and targeted financial assistance for affected farmers.
Malaysia's agricultural sector is strengthening domestic food production through incentive-driven programmes, with beef and dairy self-sufficiency ratios climbing notably in 2025, demonstrating government commitment to food security amid global pressures.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will officiate FELDA's 70th anniversary celebration at Stadium Tun Abdul Razak in Jengka, Maran, honouring seven decades of rural development and settler contributions.
Malaysia is negotiating with Thailand and Chinese customs authorities to create an overland durian export corridor, seeking to lower logistics expenses and access smaller Chinese cities with significant consumer bases.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has committed to discussing expanded market access for Malaysian durian with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a planned visit next month, aiming to stabilize prices that have slumped due to oversupply.
Malaysia aims to reduce food imports by 50 per cent by 2050 through a phased approach, Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid announced. The strategy targets 15 per cent cuts by 2030 and 30 per cent by 2040.