Malaysia has faced multiple serious food crises arising from limited production or natural disasters such as floods. The lack of food supply not only contributes to the increase in prices but also leads to nutritional problems.
Food security is not limited to the sufficient production of food supplies. It also involves the welfare of individual players such as farmers and fishermen. What HARAPAN offers are policies that focus on these two aspects to help Malaysians on both sides of the issue.
FOOD SECURITY
Agricultural Land Reform – We can reform farmlands through partnerships with the National Land Council (Majlis Tanah Negara) to help farmers request or lease land for the purpose of farming and breeding livestock.
Modern and Smart Farming – Increasing and encouraging the use of technology in the agricultural sector by providing grants or accessible loans. Supporting research and development (R&D) efforts in the farm and agro-food sectors, on top of boosting the commercialisation of research products.
Malaysia as an Agricultural Exporter – Identifying agricultural products with the potential to be developed for export so that farmers can benefit from higher income. We will explore and expand the global market for Malaysian agricultural products.
Attracting Investors and Young Agropreneurs – Facilitating tax exemptions for investments in the farming sector, whether for companies or small-scale farmers. Enhancing Young Agropreneur Program (Program Agropreneur Muda) and talent-matching programmes to help youths that are interested in the modern farming sectors.
FARMERS’ AND FISHERMEN’S WELFARE
We can progressively widen the social safety nets for all farmers and fishermens within the duration of five years.
Transferring “input” subsidies to “output” subsidies in a stage-by-stage manner by encouraging higher production. HARAPAN will further increase Skim Subsidi Harga Padi (SSHP) from RM360 per ton to RM500 per ton.
Subsidy cards or e-wallets will be introduced to provide farmers the freedom in procuring farming inputs.