PUTRAJAYA: The Farmers' Organisation Authority (LPP) and National Farmers Organisation (Nafas) will undergo administrative reforms, as part of the government's public service agenda.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said an announcement on the details would be made soon.
"Padi is a strategic commodity that plays a crucial role, not only as a staple food but also as a source of income for 230,000 farmers and their families.
"Currently, local rice can also sustain some 21 million consumers in Malaysia, while the population has reached 30 million people," he said in his speech at the ministry's monthly assembly today.
He said rice was also imported through Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) to address the supply issue.
Mohamad expressed his appreciation to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg following the latter's announcement of a RM500 million allocation to boost rice production in the state under its 2025 budget.
"The Sarawak government's commitment to ensure sufficient rice supplies needs to be emulated by other states, as efforts to improve the country's rice self-sufficiency does not only lie with the ministry but also involves cooperation from other ministries, state governments and the private sector.
"I'm confident that the country will be able to have sufficient rice supplies in 10 years through efforts to reform the sector."
Other measures in the ministry's reform plan included the establishment of a single enforcement body, a ban on mixed local and imported rice and separation of powers between the Rice and Padi Regulatory Division, the Paddy Industry Development Division (PIP), and Bernas.