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Faisal Iswardi Ismail, former deputy director-general of FAMA, has been promoted to director-general effective August 1, with Agriculture Minister Mohamad Sabu formally presenting his appointment letter.
Malaysia's social innovation programme has supported over 6,700 people across 67 projects worth RM13.97 million. A new aquaponics initiative in Port Dickson combines fish farming with vegetable cultivation using smart technology.
Malaysia's amended rice control law will target wholesalers, millers, and smugglers rather than paddy farmers, Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin said as the bill passed the Dewan Negara.
The inaugural Road to MAHA Labuan 2026 has exceeded expectations by drawing 30,837 visitors in its first two days and generating nearly RM800,000 in sales, putting the event on track to meet its RM1.6 million sales target.
Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu stressed that food security has become a strategic necessity rather than optional, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions and climate impacts threatening global supply chains.
Brunei's Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen has called for strengthened regional cooperation on food and energy security during ASEAN meetings in Manila, proposing new mechanisms to address supply chain vulnerabilities.
An estimated 1.4 million people in Gaza are projected to endure severe food shortages through the end of 2026, according to fresh Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis, signalling a worsening humanitarian emergency despite recent aid improvements.
Employment among agricultural TVET graduates in Malaysia has climbed to 76% in 2024, a substantial jump from 61% six years earlier. However, the sector still underperforms relative to the broader TVET landscape and faces persistent youth recruitment challenges.
Pahang's MAHA 2026 agricultural showcase, running July 30-August 2 in Raub, expects to attract over 100,000 visitors and generate RM1.3 million in sales, with 100 entrepreneurs participating and luxury prizes on offer.
Malaysia's Agriculture Minister signals imminent breakthrough in trade negotiations with Thailand covering shrimp exports, livestock market access, and stricter inspection protocols affecting regional agricultural commerce.
Malaysia's Finance Ministry clarified that savings from the targeted RON95 petrol subsidy mechanism are being directed toward expanded social assistance and food security initiatives, rejecting suggestions the funds are being hoarded as budget surplus.
Malaysia is intensifying its response to El Niño impacts on agriculture through advanced water management systems, drought-resistant crop research, and substantial financial aid packages for affected rice farmers.
Malaysia's government is accelerating negotiations with Thailand to lift nearly decade-old restrictions on shrimp exports and secure market access for livestock products, as discussed at the National Food Security Council meeting chaired by PM Anwar Ibrahim.
Malaysian Parliament's final sitting examines government readiness for El Niño, investigates a military training explosion, and debates measures against deviant Islamic teachings and rising non-communicable diseases.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed government agencies to implement immediate safeguards for Malaysia's food security as meteorologists warn of an impending Super El Niño event that could destabilise agricultural production across the region.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the agriculture ministry to rapidly develop contingency plans to counter the anticipated Super El Niño weather phenomenon, which will impact Malaysia from November onwards and threaten domestic food output.
Indonesia's state logistics agency Bulog is actively negotiating rice export agreements with Malaysia and Singapore, with discussions centred on pricing and commercial arrangements under presidential oversight.
Malaysia's rice supplies remain adequate with buffer stock covering six months of demand, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah announced. The government pledges price stability for Local White Rice and has distributed RM45.98 million to paddy farmers.
Malaysia's parliament has approved the Control of Padi and Rice (Amendment) Bill 2026, significantly increasing penalties for offences in the rice industry and introducing stricter regulatory measures to protect food security and farmer livelihoods.
Malaysia's agricultural self-sufficiency has improved substantially, with beef and buffalo meat production rising to 18.4% in 2025 and dairy output reaching 81.8% self-sufficiency through targeted incentive schemes.
Parliament debates UN Security Council reform, food supply resilience, and military supply chain vulnerabilities as Malaysia navigates geopolitical tensions and agricultural challenges.
Malaysian police have seized RM6.19 million worth of frozen pork products at a Miri warehouse following an enforcement operation targeting illegally imported goods without proper documentation or halal certification.
Malaysia's Parliament advanced two competition bills and debated pressing policy matters including food security, healthcare digitalisation, and national defence priorities during its third sitting week.
Malaysia and Thailand have signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding to strengthen agricultural cooperation, resolve trade barriers on seafood products, and work towards a US$30 billion bilateral trade target.
Malaysia and Thailand have settled fisheries trade disputes and agreed to activate an agricultural cooperation MoU within a week, marking a significant step in regional food security efforts during Thailand's PM Anutin Charnvirakul's maiden official visit.
Malaysia has maintained stable food prices despite Middle East disruptions through targeted agricultural subsidies and incentives. The government allocated RM2.62 billion in Budget 2026 for paddy, fertiliser, and fishing support, keeping inflation at 1.4% in May.
Malaysia's parliament has begun considering amendments to the Control of Padi and Rice Act that would vastly increase penalties for violations and expand government authority over rice pricing—moves aimed at strengthening food security oversight.
A Johor oil palm smallholder has transformed a RM15,000 government grant into nearly RM126,000 in gross income through an innovative integrated duck farming project, demonstrating the viability of diversifying agricultural enterprises on smallholdings.
Indonesia confronts an intensifying drought crisis as El Niño conditions drive severe water shortages across multiple regions. Authorities have expanded emergency water distribution efforts while warning of potential impacts on agriculture and national food supplies through the peak dry season.
Malaysia's government has set an ambitious target to halve its food imports by 2050, with interim goals of 15% reduction by 2030 and 30% by 2040, addressing the country's RM80 billion annual import expenditure.
MARDI's development of locally-bred onion seeds could slash imports by RM300 million and push self-sufficiency to 30% by 2030, addressing Malaysia's complete reliance on Indian imports.
A neglected plot of land behind 1Razak Mansion in Kuala Lumpur has been converted into a thriving food forest, bringing physical and mental health benefits to its predominantly elderly residents while addressing food security.