Latest news with #AgricultureandFoodSecurity


New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Live pig prices up 4.4 per cent in June, says agriculture minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The farm price of live pigs rose 4.4 per cent year-on-year to RM17.78 per kg in June 2025 due to the effects of the 2022 African Swine Fever outbreak. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said following the African Swine Fever outbreak, the farm price of live pigs has continued to rise. "In June 2024, the price stood at RM17.03 per kg and increased to RM17.78 per kg in June 2025 — marking a 4.4 per cent increase," he said in a written parliamentary reply to Sim Tze Tzin (PH-Bayan Baru). Nonetheless, he said that the ministry has introduced intervention measures to ensure sufficient pork supply in the nation. "To ensure sufficient domestic pork supply, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, through the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), has introduced several intervention measures. "First, facilitating the export of live pigs from Sarawak to Selangor for slaughter. The ministry and the Sarawak government have finalised the export procedures. "Second, Implementing Modern Pig Farming (MPF) and Pig Farming Area (PFA) models in pig-rearing states. "State governments regulate pig farming through State Pig Farming Enactments to ensure the industry remains controlled, environmentally safe, and sustainable," he said. He added that Penang, Perak, Selangor and Sabah have adopted the MPF model, while Sarawak and Negeri Sembilan have implemented the PFA model. Mohamad said that these policies promote sustainable farming through closed-house systems, effective waste management, buffer zones, and good farming practices. The ministry is also conducting engagement sessions with pig farmers, butchers, and importers to address challenges in farming and disease control more effectively.
![News@9: Today's top headlines - July 30, 2025 [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75)
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
News@9: Today's top headlines - July 30, 2025 [WATCH]
Here are today's top stories: High-value tax dropped Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed in a written parliamentary reply that the government will not proceed with the proposed High-Value Goods Tax. The 13th Malaysia Plan, to be tabled tomorrow, follows the Madani Economy Framework — aiming to boost national income and improve the rakyat's livelihood over five years. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu says egg prices will remain steady, despite subsidies ending this Friday. Two policemen have been remanded for allegedly receiving a RM635,000 bribe to shield illegal gambling operations. That's all for News@9.


New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah to host National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day this weekend
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day 2025 (HPPNK 2025) will mark its 50th anniversary at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu from Friday to Aug 3. According to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, the programme themed "Our Strength Secures the Nation (Kudrat Kami Menjamin Pertiwi)", will feature five main attractions: technology exhibitions, TVET training opportunities, business-matching opportunities, entertainment, and sales of produce with discounts of between 10 and 30 per cent. Mohamad said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was scheduled to officiate the event at 9am on Aug 3. The ministry expects up to half a million visitors. Mohamad said this before appearing on TV3's Malaysia Hari Ini at Studio 1, Balai Berita Bangsar today. Mohamad encouraged public participation, particularly among Sabahans, adding that the event showcased how agriculture could support families, communities, and even grow into industrial-scale ventures. This year's edition will highlight youth-led agricultural success stories. Among them is a group in Tawau cultivating premium-grade avocados. Sabah, he said, could emerge as a regional and even global centre for avocado production. The ministry is also promoting high-potential crops like pineapples, durians, and onions. The latter has gained traction in Sabah, with efforts aiming to meet domestic demand. These exhibitions served to inspire more involvement in local farming across Malaysia, he said. While visitors can also expect a festive atmosphere with shopping, family activities, and live entertainment, the greater goal is to motivate those in agriculture, aquaculture, and agrotourism.


New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Mat Sabu: No hike in egg prices projected
KUALA LUMPUR: Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has assured consumers that egg prices will remain stable despite the subsidy ending on Friday. "InsyaAllah, the supply is currently sufficient, and the producers, suppliers and related parties have been working closely with us in ongoing discussions. They have assured us that eggs will be available on the market as usual. In fact, supply is increasing. He drew a comparison to the end of chicken subsidies last year. "At present, I do not foresee any price increases, similar to when we previously adjusted the chicken subsidy. No price hike occurred then." Mohamad was speaking to reporters before appearing on TV3's Malaysia Hari Ini programme at Studio 1, Balai Berita in Bangsar today. He added that any egg shortages, such as those that may happen in rural locations, will be met with immediate intervention by the government and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority. On a separate matter, the minister said Thailand-Cambodia border tensions have not affected Malaysia's rice imports. "The situation does not involve the whole of Thailand or Cambodia. There are no current problems with regard to rice supplies to Malaysia," On April 30, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry announced that the egg subsidy will be discontinued starting Friday. The decision, it said, was made after taking into account the industry's commitment to ensuring a stable and sufficient egg supply following the stabilisation of production costs.


New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
13MP: Govt to prioritise irrigation infrastructure, aquaculture for fishermen
KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) will prioritise government-led irrigation infrastructure and promote aquaculture among fishermen affected by coastal development and land reclamation, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. Mohamad said the ministry would focus on irrigation as it is a large-scale undertaking that individuals cannot manage and is typically a government responsibility. He was speaking to reporters after appearing on TV3's 'Malaysia Hari Ini' programme at Studio 1, Balai Berita Bangsar today. Mohamad added that coastal development and land reclamation in states such as Perlis, Penang, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan have disrupted the livelihoods of traditional fishermen, prompting the ministry's push for aquaculture. "In the long term, we aim to transform fishermen into 'inland fishermen,' meaning aquaculture practitioners," he said. "We want to help them adapt to aquaculture, where in some cases, the income can be even better than fishing at sea." The 13MP, covering 2026-2030, is expected to chart an ambitious course to transform the nation into a high-income, innovation-led economy. The five-year development blueprint, which will be tabled during the parliamentary sitting tomorrow (Thursday), will introduce significant policy shifts in response to evolving global and domestic challenges. Key thrusts of the plan include high-tech industrialisation, sustainable development, and inclusive growth, amid a growing emphasis on fiscal reform.