Latest news with #AgricultureandFoodSecurity
Barnama
5 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Govt To Modernise Fisheries Sector For B40 Fishermen
KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- The government will implement various new initiatives to elevate the dignity of the country's fisheries sector to a more modern and competitive level, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He said that among the initiatives involved were the upgrading of technology and facilities, strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and comprehensive support for industry players. "This is important so that the fisheries sector is not only able to generate sustainable income, but also guarantees a more dignified, more sustainable and more prosperous future, especially for fishermen among the B40," Mohamad said via his Facebook page.
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Iran situation won't impact food supply'
All smiles: Mohamad (centre) visiting a Perak Farmers' Organisation cattle rearing project in Kampung Tengah, Beruas, Perak. — Bernama BERUAS: Malaysia is not heavily dependent on food imports from Iran, and as such, the situation does not impact the country's food supply, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He explained that Malaysia's food import requirements from Iran are limited to dates and legume products, which are not among the country's primary food commodities. 'Most of our food imports from Iran are not high. Most of our imports are from India, Pakistan, the Middle East, China and Asean countries,' he told a press conference after visiting a Perak Farmers' Organisation cattle rearing project yesterday, Bernama reported. Asked about the impact of the current hot weather on padi crops, Mohamad said that so far, 60% of the country's padi production remain unaffected. However, he said, adjustments to the padi planting schedule may be necessary based on discussions with the Muda Agricultural Development Authority and the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority. 'Sometimes we need to change the schedule a little, depending on weather conditions and suitability,' he said. Mohamad also said the ministry will assist the livestock farm, which he visited yesterday, in building a slaughterhouse to help increase the farm's productivity. It currently houses about 500 animals. 'We have set a target to achieve a meat self-sufficiency level of more than 30% by 2030, compared to 20% currently. 'With the developments we are seeing now, we are confident about reaching the goal,' he said.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Perak pushes for federal support to attract more investments
LUMUT: Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad has called on the federal government to support the state's efforts to ensure sustainable economic growth, particularly through improved infrastructure in key industrial zones and enhanced investment incentives. He said continued development is crucial to position Perak as a competitive investment destination. "To ensure sustainable growth, my administration and I humbly appeal to the prime minister to consider allocating funds for infrastructure development in key industrial areas, as well as introducing new investment incentive schemes, so that Perak can attract more investments. "The success of any industrial area heavily depends on efficient and effective connectivity and mobility networks. "For example, the success of LuMIC (Lumut Maritime Industrial City) greatly relies on the development of wider road infrastructure and rail networks for cargo and passenger transport to connect Lumut with other major cities," he said. Saarani said this during his speech at the Madani Rakyat programme at Lumut Waterfront here today. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He also expressed hope that the federal government would consider developing a more integrated transport network across Perak to better connect growth nodes with urban centres. Touching on the rare earth elements (REE) sector, Saarani reaffirmed Perak's commitment to becoming a leading player in the downstream mineral industry, in line with Anwar's aspirations. "As a pioneer and leader in mineral production, we embrace the prime minister's aspiration for Perak to become a key player in the downstream mineral industry. "The state government has initiated various efforts to realise the development of the entire REE industry value chain in Perak from upstream to downstream levels," he said. Saarani added that Perak hopes to become not just a national, but also a regional hub for mineral production. "We hope that the federal government will support efforts to develop the midstream and downstream REE ecosystem here in Perak. "This will not only strengthen Malaysia's global position but also transform Perak into a key mineral hub in the region," he said. Saarani said these requests stem from a strong belief that the implementation of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan must be aligned with the grand vision of Malaysia Madani. "We are confident that this is the path to achieving holistic and sustainable progress, not only for Perak but for the nation as a whole. "Therefore, the current momentum of development must not be allowed to stall. It must continue with stronger resolve, greater support, and more unified action," he said.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
GST only when wages reach RM4,000 and above, says Anwar
LUMUT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that the government will not reintroduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for now, stressing that it would burden the poor and those in the lower-income group. Anwar said the government had deliberately chosen not to implement GST, as it is a broad-based tax that affects all levels of society, including fishermen, smallholders and low-income earners. "GST means a broad-based tax. Understand? It taxes everything, even if the rate is low, sugar, flour, food, everyone has to pay. That's GST. If you ask me, yes, it's a simple system, just tax everything. "But I ask you, should fishermen, smallholders, low-income workers and street cleaners also be taxed? That's why we're not ready for GST yet. "If, say, tomorrow the economy improves and the minimum wage rises to RM4,000 and above, then fine, implement GST. But right now? No. The opposition needs a bit of a crash course," he said during his speech at the closing ceremony of the Madani Rakyat Programme at Lumut Waterfront today. Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. Anwar acknowledged that while some economists and opposition politicians argue GST is a more efficient system, it should only be introduced when the economy is stronger and wages are significantly higher. "They think SST (Sales and Services Tax) is not as good, GST is better. Do you even understand GST? It touches everybody. If it's six per cent on everything, then everyone has to pay. "Why should the poor pay? Why should the unemployed have to pay when they eat? "So I ask you to understand, don't turn this into a political issue just because there's nothing else to attack. SST means we tax imported goods," he said. He said this includes the recent move to tax imported bananas, which drew public criticism. "Imported bananas are not the same as our pisang emas, pisang awak, or pisang berangan, those are not taxed. Please read properly before making noise. "The same goes for items like avocados. Avocados are expensive imported goods. If people with high incomes want to eat them, fine, but they should pay a bit more in tax. No issue," he said. Anwar added that tax revenue is crucial to funding public services and infrastructure development, including hospitals, schools, and national defence. "How do we build new hospitals in Manjung? How do we upgrade our schools, roads, and buy aircraft or ships for national defence? "It all comes from taxes. But we must ask, who should be taxed, the poor or the rich?" he said. He criticised certain quarters for opposing targeted subsidies and utility tariff reforms under the pretext of defending the rakyat. "Eighty-five per cent of electricity users are not affected by tariff increases. It's the wealthy, who consume more, that end up paying more. "But some still claim to be defending the rakyat, when in reality, they're protecting the interests of the rich," he said. Anwar also acknowledged that aspects of the taxation and subsidy system require fine-tuning, but urged for constructive engagement instead of politicisation. "We're not claiming to be perfect, but we're open to discussion and improvement. What's important is that people understand why taxes are necessary and who they are intended to support," he said.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar slams Muslim nations' silence over Israeli attacks on Iran
LUMUT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today condemned the silence of the international community, particularly Muslim-majority nations, over the recent Israeli attacks on Iran. "A few days ago, Iran was attacked by Israel. They casually targeted and killed scientists and military officials. "What kind of country behaves in such a barbaric, treacherous, and insane manner as Israel? "There are over a billion Muslims, and many Islamic countries are wealthy, yet very few speak up to defend Iran," he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the Madani Rakyat Programme at Lumut Waterfront here today. Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. Anwar said that Malaysia, as a sovereign and independent nation, must have the courage to stand up for justice, not only within its borders, but also in solidarity with oppressed nations around the world. "That is why I told my colleagues in the Cabinet, Malaysia must build its own capacity. "We are a sovereign country, and we must defend the rights of our friends, including Iran, which has long been oppressed. "We support Iran's right to respond and to defend its national dignity," he said. Highlighting Iran's resilience under prolonged economic sanctions, Anwar praised the country's commitment to education and technological advancement, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), despite being shut out by major global tech companies. "While companies like Google and Microsoft are present in our country, they are not allowed into Iran. " Yet Iran still manages to educate its youth, develop its AI sector, and sustain its economy under immense pressure," he said. He also pointed out the hypocrisy of global powers and European nations who remain silent when Israel strikes, but react strongly when Iran retaliates. "When Israel attacks, you remain silent. But when Iran responds, suddenly there's outrage. That's not our position," he said. Anwar affirmed that the Madani government will continue to uphold its principles of justice and solidarity. "Alhamdulillah, the leadership of this Madani government holds firmly to the principle of defending justice and the rights of all nations," he concluded. It was reported that Iran struck Israel early Saturday with barrages of missiles after a massive onslaught targeted the Islamic republic's nuclear and military facilities, and killed several top generals. Air raid sirens and explosions rang out across Israel overnight, with its military calling on residents to take refuge in bomb shelters Saturday morning.
