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The Sun
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
DOSM to introduce National Agricultural Production Index
KEPALA BATAS: The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) will soon introduce a National Agricultural Production Index to strengthen food security by addressing critical data gaps in the agriculture sector. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the index, to be pushed quarterly, will offer a more comprehensive view of agricultural output, supporting evidence-based policymaking in a sector central to both livelihoods and economic stability. The index is being developed in collaboration with several government agencies and will mirror existing statistical frameworks used for the manufacturing, electricity and services sectors. 'This data will help identify which areas are experiencing increases in agricultural output and the information can be shared across agencies for planning and policy-making purposes,' he added. He was speaking to reporters after launching the 2024 Penang Interim Agriculture Census Report, officiated by State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol here today. Until now, national agricultural statistics have focused primarily on palm oil and padi production, which he described as 'not comprehensive.' The new index, he said, will offer more structured and detailed coverage of the broader agricultural sector. Preliminary findings from the 2024 Agriculture Census indicate that the sector recorded sales of RM161 billion in 2023, employing 1.7 million people. These figures underscore the industry's potential if backed by strategic policies and innovation. In Penang alone, agricultural sales reached RM3.5 billion, despite the state's small size. Individual farmers accounted for 93.1 per cent of agricultural holdings, with organisations making up the remaining 6.9 per cent. The census also highlighted the active role played by senior citizens, with more than half of Malaysians aged 60 and above still engaged in agriculture. Mohd Uzir noted that the presence of older farmers in the field remains strong, while youth involvement presents further opportunities to enhance sector productivity.


The Sun
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
DOSM to introduce National Agricultural Production Index in food security push
KEPALA BATAS: The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) will soon introduce a National Agricultural Production Index to strengthen food security by addressing critical data gaps in the agriculture sector. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the index, to be pushed quarterly, will offer a more comprehensive view of agricultural output, supporting evidence-based policymaking in a sector central to both livelihoods and economic stability. The index is being developed in collaboration with several government agencies and will mirror existing statistical frameworks used for the manufacturing, electricity and services sectors. 'This data will help identify which areas are experiencing increases in agricultural output and the information can be shared across agencies for planning and policy-making purposes,' he added. He was speaking to reporters after launching the 2024 Penang Interim Agriculture Census Report, officiated by State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol here today. Until now, national agricultural statistics have focused primarily on palm oil and padi production, which he described as 'not comprehensive.' The new index, he said, will offer more structured and detailed coverage of the broader agricultural sector. Preliminary findings from the 2024 Agriculture Census indicate that the sector recorded sales of RM161 billion in 2023, employing 1.7 million people. These figures underscore the industry's potential if backed by strategic policies and innovation. In Penang alone, agricultural sales reached RM3.5 billion, despite the state's small size. Individual farmers accounted for 93.1 per cent of agricultural holdings, with organisations making up the remaining 6.9 per cent. The census also highlighted the active role played by senior citizens, with more than half of Malaysians aged 60 and above still engaged in agriculture. Mohd Uzir noted that the presence of older farmers in the field remains strong, while youth involvement presents further opportunities to enhance sector productivity.

Barnama
17-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
DOSM To Introduce National Agricultural Production Index In Food Security Push
KEPALA BATAS, June 17 (Bernama) -- The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) will soon introduce a National Agricultural Production Index to strengthen food security by addressing critical data gaps in the agriculture sector. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the index, to be pushed quarterly, will offer a more comprehensive view of agricultural output, supporting evidence-based policymaking in a sector central to both livelihoods and economic stability. The index is being developed in collaboration with several government agencies and will mirror existing statistical frameworks used for the manufacturing, electricity and services sectors. 'This data will help identify which areas are experiencing increases in agricultural output and the information can be shared across agencies for planning and policy-making purposes,' he added. He was speaking to reporters after launching the 2024 Penang Interim Agriculture Census Report, officiated by State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol here today. Until now, national agricultural statistics have focused primarily on palm oil and padi production, which he described as 'not comprehensive.' The new index, he said, will offer more structured and detailed coverage of the broader agricultural sector. Preliminary findings from the 2024 Agriculture Census indicate that the sector recorded sales of RM161 billion in 2023, employing 1.7 million people. These figures underscore the industry's potential if backed by strategic policies and innovation. In Penang alone, agricultural sales reached RM3.5 billion, despite the state's small size. Individual farmers accounted for 93.1 per cent of agricultural holdings, with organisations making up the remaining 6.9 per cent. The census also highlighted the active role played by senior citizens, with more than half of Malaysians aged 60 and above still engaged in agriculture. Mohd Uzir noted that the presence of older farmers in the field remains strong, while youth involvement presents further opportunities to enhance sector productivity. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial , @bernamatv , @bernamaradio Twitter : @ , @BernamaTV , @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial , @bernamatvofficial , @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial

Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Straits Times
Johor government to beef up anti-littering by-laws
Among the proposals discussed were updates to the 2024 amendments of the Cleanliness Prevention by-laws. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PEXELS JOHOR BARU - With more than 1,000 enforcement actions already taken against litterbugs in the first five months of this year, the Johor government wants to prioritise public cleanliness by strengthening anti-littering by-laws. State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said a special meeting was recently held to review current laws and enhance enforcement efforts in all local councils. 'Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim's decree is very clear. 'Littering, especially in rivers and public spaces, is an irresponsible act that harms the environment and drains public funds. 'Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has also instructed immediate and coordinated action to address this issue, which has long plagued both urban and rural areas,' he said on June 14. He criticised the careless behaviour of some individuals, noting that public money meant for development and services is being diverted to unnecessary clean-up operations. 'This isn't just inconsiderate, it's uncivilised. The lack of civic responsibility is costing us all,' he said. He pledged to personally coordinate a stricter and more comprehensive enforcement strategy, adopting a zero-compromise approach to cleanliness. Among the proposals discussed were updates to the 2024 amendments of the Cleanliness Prevention by-laws and a stricter application of Section 47 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, which allows offenders to be fined up to RM500 (S$150) for littering in public spaces. He said the effectiveness of enforcement methods was also reviewed, including patrols in littering hotspots, the use of body-worn cameras and mobile ticketing devices, as well as collaboration with auxiliary police and other enforcement agencies. Between January and May this year, over 1,000 actions were taken, including 181 compound notices in May alone, totalling RM161,500 in fines. 'While these numbers reflect our continued efforts, they will mean little if we fail to shift the public mindset. Enforcement alone will not solve the problem,' he said. To that end, Johor is looking to adopt best practices from countries such as Singapore and Japan, where stiff fines, community service sentences and plainclothes patrols play a major role in maintaining public hygiene. 'It's time we adapt these proven methods. A clean culture must be backed by firm, visible and consistent enforcement,' he added. In parallel, he said the state government is also working on a civic education plan and integrated awareness campaigns to instill greater responsibility among residents, especially the younger generation. He said these initiatives will be rolled out in schools, night markets, bazaars, residential areas and business premises. 'Public engagement will be supported through additional warning signboards, social media outreach and partnerships with the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation and community-led teams such as the Johor Baru City Council anti-litter squad,' he said. He said local councils have been told to improve their public complaints systems, speed up offender detection and strengthen inter-agency coordination to ensure faster responses. Looking ahead, he proposed that cleanliness be made a key performance indicator in all local authority budgets for 2026. 'As a government that honours Tunku Ismail's decree and remains committed to the Maju Johor agenda, we cannot compromise when it comes to cleanliness and environmental care. 'A clean and dignified Johor is our collective duty, not just in words, but in real, visible action,' he said. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.


The Star
15-06-2025
- The Star
Johor govt to beef up anti-littering by-laws
JOHOR BARU: With more than 1,000 enforcement actions already taken against litterbugs in the first five months of this year, the Johor government wants to prioritise public cleanliness by strengthening anti-littering by-laws. State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor (pic) said a special meeting was recently held to review current laws and enhance enforcement efforts in all local councils. 'Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim's decree is very clear. 'Littering, especially in rivers and public spaces, is an irresponsible act that harms the environment and drains public funds. 'Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has also instructed immediate and coordinated action to address this issue, which has long plagued both urban and rural areas,' he said yesterday. Mohd Jafni criticised the careless behaviour of some individuals, noting that public money meant for development and services is being diverted to unnecessary clean-up operations. 'This isn't just inconsiderate, it's uncivilised. The lack of civic responsibility is costing us all,' he said. He pledged to personally coordinate a stricter and more comprehensive enforcement strategy, adopting a zero-compromise approach to cleanliness. Among the proposals discussed were updates to the 2024 amendments of the Cleanliness Prevention by-laws and a stricter application of Section 47 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, which allows offenders to be fined up to RM500 for littering in public spaces. Mohd Jafni said the effectiveness of enforcement methods was also reviewed, including patrols in littering hotspots, the use of body-worn cameras and mobile ticketing devices, as well as collaboration with auxiliary police and other enforcement agencies. Between January and May this year, over 1,000 actions were taken, including 181 compound notices in May alone, totalling RM161,500 in fines. 'While these numbers reflect our continued efforts, they will mean little if we fail to shift the public mindset. Enforcement alone will not solve the problem,' he said. To that end, Johor is looking to adopt best practices from countries such as Singapore and Japan, where stiff fines, community service sentences and plainclothes patrols play a major role in maintaining public hygiene. 'It's time we adapt these proven methods. A clean culture must be backed by firm, visible and consistent enforcement,' he added. In parallel, Mohd Jafni said the state government is also working on a civic education plan and integrated awareness campaigns to instil greater responsibility among residents, especially the younger generation. He said these initiatives will be rolled out in schools, night markets, bazaars, residential areas and business premises. 'Public engagement will be supported through additional warning signboards, social media outreach and partnerships with the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation and community-led teams such as the Johor Baru City Council anti-litter squad,' he said. Mohd Jafni said local councils have been told to improve their public complaints systems, speed up offender detection and strengthen inter-agency coordination to ensure faster responses. Looking ahead, he proposed that cleanliness be made a key performance indicator in all local authority budgets for 2026. 'As a government that honours Tunku Ismail's decree and remains committed to the Maju Johor agenda, we cannot compromise when it comes to cleanliness and environmental care. 'A clean and dignified Johor is our collective duty, not just in words, but in real, visible action,' he said.