Plan prepares for unforeseen disasters by cultivating padi abroad and importing from Malaysian-managed plantations overseas, says minister
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is set to adopt a reverse investment strategy in 2026 to protect and secure the supply of the country’s critical food commodities.
Agriculture and Food Security minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the approach would focus on four key industries which involve ruminants (cattle), rice, dairy, seeds and breeds – essential components of the national food supply chain.
“This strategy prepares for unforeseen disasters by cultivating padi abroad and importing from Malaysian-managed plantations overseas, ensuring a stable supply and maintaining emergency reserves if a disaster occurs.
“The main goal is to secure supply, especially for padi. For ruminants such as cattle, we are also in discussions with stakeholders to establish livestock farming abroad due to land limitations,” he said after the 2026 Ministerial Address yesterday.
Mohamad said the approach is currently being piloted for both padi and ruminants, with cattle to be brought in according to scheduled timelines to ensure a consistent supply.
“It is important to note that reverse investment is not intended to replace local farmers. Rather, it serves as a strategic buffer to stabilise supply chains during unexpected external shocks.
“Each investment will be carried out in phases with prudence, prioritising national interests.”
He added that the ministry aims to raise national padi output to over three million tonnes per year, increase the rice self-sufficiency rate over the next five years and boost farmers’ incomes to RM3,500 in major rice-growing areas and RM2,500 in other regions.
“We will strengthen the padi industry in 2026 with a structured approach to boost local production, reduce imports and secure the nation’s food supply.
“Efforts will include modernising field management, upgrading irrigation and drainage systems as well as optimising agricultural inputs.”
He also launched PaddyChat, a digital tool that enables farmers to identify padi diseases via their phones and access guidance on modern agricultural technologies.
He said PaddyChat is expected to be widely used by farmers to improve productivity and farm management.
“The ministry has launched a pilot project under DX Padi 2025 to modernise the padi industry using digital technology and AI to improve field management, detect pests and support farmers’ knowledge.
“This approach reflects the ministry’s commitment to increasing padi productivity in a smart and sustainable way, aligned with the National Agri-Food Policy 2021-2030 and agricultural modernisation under the 12th Malaysia Plan.”
Mohamad also highlighted that the ministry is targeting about 50,000 tonnes of meat production and aims to raise the self-sufficiency rate to 18%.
He said this forms part of efforts to strengthen the ruminant industry and ensure sufficient beef and buffalo supply, which is vital for food security, price stability and farmers’ income.
“This will be achieved through integrated measures, including expanding livestock populations, optimising land use, integrating livestock with plantations, improving local breeds, increasing birth rates and enhancing animal health as well as border controls to prevent disease and illegal imports.”
