ALOR STAR: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry's decision to merge seven enforcement agencies is a crucial step in bolstering regulatory control over the agri-food sector, says the Malaysian Padi Farmers Brotherhood Organisation (Pesawah).
Its president, Abdul Rashid Yob, welcomed the move, highlighting that it would enhance integrity within the agencies, particularly those involved in regulating the padi farming industry.
"We hope this reform will finally resolve long-standing issues, from seed supply and padi harvesting to rice production, that have been inadequately addressed for decades," he told the NST when contacted today.
Rashid said that the move is timely, emphasising that Malaysia has many agricultural agencies, but some have failed to fulfil their roles effectively.
"Compared to Indonesia and Thailand, we have more agricultural bodies, but this has created an unhealthy industry ecosystem over the years.
"Despite all these agencies and legal frameworks, enforcement remains weak. We fully support this effort to reform agricultural enforcement," he added.
Earlier, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced that the merger aims to strengthen oversight in the agri-food sector.
The agencies include the Rice and Padi Regulatory Division, the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis), the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Fisheries, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM), and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).
He said the consolidation would involve 2,030 enforcement personnel and 14 laws, and aimed at enhancing enforcement and tackling issues such as leakage and smuggling.
Meanwhile, Rashid said that the merger would streamline agency collaboration and eliminate delays caused by overlapping jurisdictions.
"We've seen agencies shifting responsibility, claiming certain issues aren't their problem. This change will ensure they work together, instead of pointing fingers when challenges arise," he said.
Rashid also highlighted the potential for better policy implementation, referencing the recent diesel subsidy rationalisation, where padi farmers are still awaiting targeted subsidies.
"Farmers in Cameron Highlands have already benefited from targeted subsidies, but padi farmers are still waiting. These agencies fall under the same ministry, so we hope this reform leads to a more effective task force," he said.