PUTRAJAYA: A single enforcement agency will be established to oversee the agro-food sector in Malaysia, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
He said that enforcement personnel from seven agencies would be consolidated into one unified team, including the Rice and Padi Regulatory Division, Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis), Department of Agriculture, Department of Fisheries, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM), and the Veterinary Services Department (DVS).
This initiative is part of the ministry's reform plan, following recommendations from the Special Integrated Task Force on White Rice Operations Enforcement (Op BPT).
Currently, there are approximately 2,030 enforcement personnel across these agencies.
"As we know, the shortage of local white rice is a pressing issue in the industry. The ministry is responding to the Prime Minister's call for public service reforms by merging enforcement teams under its jurisdiction," Mohamad said during the ministry's monthly assembly today.
He said that the reform plan is aimed at enhancing the padi and rice industries and clarified that it was not a political agenda.
He added that the ministry would also introduce a ban on mixing local and imported rice, with an official circular to be issued soon.
Additionally, Mohamad said an announcement regarding administrative reforms involving the Farmers' Organisation Authority (LPP) and National Farmers Organisation (Nafas) would be made shortly.
"Padi is a strategic commodity that serves not only as a staple food but also as a source of income for 230,000 farmers and their families. Currently, local rice sustains about 21 million consumers in Malaysia, while the overall population has reached 30 million," he said, adding that rice was also imported through Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) to address supply issues.
Mohamad expressed his gratitude to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg for the RM500 million allocation to boost rice production in Sarawak as part of the 2025 budget.
"The Sarawak government's commitment to ensure sufficient rice supplies should be emulated by other states. Improving the country's rice self-sufficiency rate requires cooperation from all ministries, state governments, and the private sector."
Mohamad is optimistic that through these reforms, Malaysia will achieve sufficient rice supplies within the next decade.
Speaking at a press conference later, he said that some of the seven agencies currently had fewer enforcement personnel than others.
He said the consolidation would allow for more efficient deployment without the need to hire additional staff, though there would be a restructuring of personnel within the new agency.
He said that the reform plan would also ensure a clear separation of powers among the Rice and Padi Regulatory Division, the Padi Industry Development Division, and Bernas, as some top positions were currently held by the same individuals, affecting the effectiveness of their duties.
"By assigning different individuals to key roles, we can enhance focus and efficiency in task execution," he added.