SOOK: The allocation of RM20 million for the Next-Gen Young Agreprenuer Programme announced by the Prime Minister in Budget 2026 reflects the Madani government’s recognition of the youth agricultural entrepreneurs.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said that from 2020 to 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has allocated a total of RM84 million for the Young Agreprenuer Grant which benefits a total of 4,217 recipients.
“Looking at the involvement of youth in the agricultural sector, statistics show that there is an 8pc increase through the distribution of the Young Agropreneur Grant, from 704 recipients in 2022 to 758 recipients in 2023.
“Meanwhile, in 2024 also showed an 8% increase in grant recipients, which is the highest number throughout the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12th MP) of 815 people equivalent to RM17.519 million,” he said at the Townhall session in conjunction with the Food Future Agro-Based Industry Seminar 2025 @ Sabah organised by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) here.
This programme aims to bring together entrepreneurs from various industry segments to identify their potential, strengths and needs in their efforts to penetrate the mainstream market, especially through collaboration with supermarkets and large distributors.
Arthur thanked the Prime Minister for the allocation of RM20 million to the Next-Gen Young Agripreneur Program and with the increased allocation, KPKM targets that more youth agricultural entrepreneurs will be assisted next year.
Arthur, who is also the Member of Parliament for Pensiangan, said that this initiative will be able to help entrepreneurs understand the current market requirements in terms of quality, packaging, certification and logistics requirements in addition to providing a platform for them to expand marketing channels to supermarkets, modern retail stores and e-commerce.
“This shows an encouraging sign that our agricultural sector and agro-food industry have a very bright future, especially with the interest shown by the youth here,” he said.
The one-day seminar brought together 400 youth entrepreneurs from the interior of Sabah.
Also present were the Secretary of the Agro-Based Food Industry Division of KPKM, Datuk Dr. Mohd Haniff Hassan; Deputy Director General (Food Security & Operations) of Fama, Faisal Iswardi Ismail and Director of Fama for Sabah & the Federal Territory of Labuan, Sarman Sidno.