KUALA SELANGOR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for the collaboration between the private sector and relevant ministries and agencies in ensuring food security in the country.
He said this during his speech during the launch of British American Tobacco Malaysia Bhd's (BAT Malaysia) national expansion of its Beyond Benih programme, a food security initiative through community gardens.
Zahid said programmes such as BAT Malaysia's Beyond Benih is a good step to address the issue of food security in the country.
"We currently rely on importing produce from overseas, which is worth close to RM60 billion a year.
"Our soil is fertile and despite the high initial startup cost for growing our own produce, in the long run, this could help reduce our dependence on imported produce.
"All quarters from the private sector and the government should work together and not work in silos to ensure food security to help the people."
Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the Beyond Benih programme was also in line with the Madani Economy framework which aims to eradicate hardcore poverty.
"The programme by BAT Malaysia is a beacon. It realises the aspiration of the Madani Economy initiative in its efforts to put a stop to hardcore poverty in the country."
He also welcomed BAT Malaysia to collaborate with Felcra Bhd in developing the underutilised and unutilised lands.
"Felcra has around 230,000ha of land nationwide which involves farms and padi estates. Negotiations with BAT Malaysia to use up the lands could help around 107,000 heads of families.
"This collaboration will also involve the Felcra settlers nationwide," he said.
The Beyond Benih programme, which is in collaboration between BAT Malaysia, Agriculture Department and the resident associations of the selected communities aims to drive the commitment towards sustainable livelihoods where communities can grow their own produce using good agricultural practices.
It will allow participants to sell their harvest at a lower cost to communities in the area.
Currently, the programme has completed two gardens, each in Shah Alam and Tanjung Karang with more expected to be launched across the country.
Also present at the launch were BAT Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Dr Aseh Che Mat, its managing director Nedal Salem and Felcra Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Mat Roni Zakaria.
Nedal said the programme is a commitment towards the focus on sustainability and building resilient food security.
"We firmly believe that ensuring food security, by building a resilient food system, plays a pivotal role in building strong communities. Community gardens bring people together, teach valuable skills, and promote sustainable practices, ensuring a brighter future for all.
"BAT Malaysia is committed to empower communities across Malaysia, and we are steadfast in our drive to create independent, prosperous, and environmentally-friendly agricultural communities that can achieve food self-sufficiency across the nation.
"Through this programme, we intend to transform the lives of over 250,000 beneficiaries by 2026, whilst playing a part in creating independent, prosperous, and environmentally-friendly agricultural communities, and support the nation to drive its goal to achieve food self-sufficiency across the country," he said.