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PENANG is reinforcing its reputation as a diversified economy by investing heavily in agriculture and long-term food security, with RM13.4 million allocated this year to support more than 14,000 farmers statewide.
“Of this, RM5.53 million was contributed by the state government, while the Federal Government allocated RM7.84 million through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Malaysia,” he said.
The federal allocation includes RM1 million earmarked for home-based agro-industries, with equipment purchases ranging from tractors to agricultural monitoring drones. The drones are capable of detecting trespassers and crop infections, as well as dispersing environmentally friendly chemicals to enhance yields.
Chow was speaking after representatives of home-based agro-entrepreneurs and farming cooperatives across the state received machinery, equipment and financial assistance under the Food Security Strengthening Programme 2025.
Four agricultural cooperatives were presented with modern machinery aimed at improving operational efficiency and boosting productivity.
He said mechanisation was central to addressing labour shortages, reducing operating costs and improving farm management practices, while also encouraging the adoption of modern technologies such as the Internet of Things.
“To date, 11 active agricultural cooperatives in Penang are set to benefit directly from this initiative,” he said.
Despite its relatively small land area, Penang records among the highest padi yields in the country, underlining the crop’s strategic importance to the state’s food security framework.
Chow noted that RM1.88 million had been allocated for the expansion of padi cultivation in Kampung Guar Petai, Kepala Batas, alongside RM450,000 in special assistance benefiting 5,567 padi farmers.
He said the initiative aligned with the Madani aspirations and the Penang2030 vision, which emphasises sustainability, inclusivity and the wellbeing of the people.
State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol added that modernisation was vital not only to increasing output but also to improving food safety standards, regulatory compliance and the competitiveness of agro-entrepreneurs in a rapidly evolving market.
The continued emphasis on agriculture, Chow said, demonstrates that Penang’s economic model extends beyond manufacturing and services to ensure resilience in food production for the long term. - February 15, 2025