Today's top Malaysian news, sport and lifestyle.
Malaysia maintains adequate rice reserves of 1.237 million tonnes—enough for six months' consumption—as the government pushes toward 80% self-sufficiency by 2030 through new drought-resistant varieties and expanded cultivation programmes.
Malaysia's amended rice control law will focus enforcement on wholesalers, millers, and smugglers rather than paddy farmers, Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin has assured, with graduated penalties for minor breaches.
Malaysia's agriculture ministry has proposed a nationwide census to determine the country's official national fruit, following competing bids from durian and pineapple industry associations.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has demanded accelerated implementation of seven Felda development initiatives, amid growing discontent among settlers struggling with economic difficulties and seeking tangible improvements to their livelihoods.
Malaysia's Ministry of Plantation and Commodities has approved assistance for 144,894 smallholders through the Salam Agrikomoditi MADANI programme, with plans to expand nationwide and bridge gaps in information access.
Malaysia's government is actively negotiating with Thailand to resolve shrimp export restrictions that have persisted since 2017, while pursuing new market access for livestock products, Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to rapidly develop strategies to shield Malaysia's food output from the impending Super El Niño weather phenomenon expected to arrive this November.
Perak authorities have distributed land ownership grants to 47 participants in the FELCRA Seri Gala scheme, underscoring the success of a rural development model that combines land consolidation with community economic growth.
Malaysia's targeted incentive programmes have substantially increased agricultural self-sufficiency, with beef production rising to 18.4% and dairy reaching 81.8% in 2025, signalling progress towards food security amid global challenges.
The Dewan Rakyat has passed the Control of Padi and Rice (Amendment) Bill 2026, imposing significantly higher penalties on rice industry offences. Fines for individuals rise to RM250,000 while companies face up to RM1 million in penalties, marking the first increase since 1994.