Malaysia recorded a vegetable self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) of 45.4% in 2023, while the SSR for tropical vegetables reached 83.1%, according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu.
In a written parliamentary reply to Port Dickson MP Aminuddin Harun, Mohamad noted that several vegetables exceeded 100% SSR. These included tomatoes (123.7%), cucumbers (112.1%), spinach (112%), salad (114%), long beans (107.2%), brinjal (112.3%), and lady's finger (102.2%). SSR is calculated by dividing domestic production by total domestic utilisation, with higher ratios reflecting reduced reliance on imports.
Mohamad said that under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), through the Department of Agriculture (DOA), has been allocated RM57.7 million (US$12.5 million) for vegetable crop sector development projects to enhance farmer competitiveness. Allocations include RM20 million (US$4.3 million) for a vegetable crop development project, RM19.7 million (US$4.2 million) for a selected vegetables SSR enhancement programme, and RM18 million (US$3.9 million) for an income enhancement project for paddy farmers outside granary areas (B40). Assistance is provided as matching grants or in-kind support such as agricultural inputs, farm infrastructure, mechanisation, and post-harvest support.
Tanjung Piai MP Wee Jeck Seng separately asked about measures to reduce reliance on imported food in light of price increases linked to the sales and service tax (SST). Imported fruits were initially levied a 5% sales tax from July 1, though exemptions were later made for apples, oranges, mandarins, and dates. The Ministry of Finance also confirmed that tax-exempt essential goods, whether local or imported, include rice, chicken, beef, vegetables, and eggs.
In response, Mohamad stated that KPKM is targeting an 80% rice SSR, 50% beef SSR, and 100% dairy milk SSR by 2030. The ministry also aims to reach aquaculture production of 958,000 metric tonnes by 2030 and to develop 1,447 hectares of shallot cultivation for commercial seed production.
Programmes implemented by the DOA in 2023 and 2024 included the Vegetable Crop Development Programme, which covered 646.75 hectares, producing 12,770.66 metric tonnes of vegetables with 559 farmers involved. The Selected Vegetables SSR Enhancement Program for cabbage, chilli, ginger, and onions developed 470.72 hectares, producing 90,052.86 metric tonnes with 508 farmers. The Income Enhancement Project for Paddy Farmers Outside Granary Areas developed 595.14 hectares, producing 6,494.04 metric tonnes of vegetables involving 906 farmers.
Source: CodeBlue
