Serdang, September 15, 2024 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for an immediate end to the presence of cartels in Malaysia’s agriculture sector, emphasizing that the current system of seed and fertiliser importation controlled by monopolies must be dismantled without delay.
Speaking at the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agrotourism Exhibition (Maha) 2024, Anwar stressed that future agricultural decisions must be data-driven and focused on the welfare of farmers, fishermen, and smallholders.
“To guarantee productivity, the entire ecosystem must be streamlined, especially with the involvement of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and other relevant ministries,” Anwar said at the event, held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park. He added that seeds and fertilisers can no longer be controlled by cartels as in the past, urging for firm leadership to eliminate such practices.
Anwar highlighted the significance of having a strong minister and secretary-general to ensure the complete removal of cartel influence in fertiliser importation, a move he deems vital for the development of the sector.
The Prime Minister, who also serves as Finance Minister, described the food sector as a crucial pillar for national development. He emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable and holistic agricultural ecosystem rather than depending solely on the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama).
“Fama’s performance has shown significant improvement, but it’s essential to ensure the entire ecosystem is functioning effectively. The Agriculture Ministry is one of the most strategically important ministries in our country,” he said.
Anwar also expressed optimism that government subsidies for farmers, fishermen, and smallholders would provide substantial benefits under the leadership of Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He acknowledged that while progress was initially gradual, the pace has improved as the government enters its second year.
In his remarks, Mohamad Sabu noted that the agrifood sector contributed 10.9% to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of the year, with growth driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors.
The Maha 2024 exhibition, themed “Menuai Harapan Membina Masa Hadapan” (Harvesting Hope, Building the Future), is the 100th edition of the event and aims to secure RM6 billion in memorandums of understanding and RM40 million in direct sales.
Also in attendance were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu, and Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
