KKDW Targets 50% Reduction in Food Imports by 2050 Through Expanded Domestic Agriculture
KOTA TINGGI: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) has unveiled a long-term strategy to reduce Malaysia’s reliance on imported food by half over the next 25 years, as part of broader efforts to strengthen national food security and expand domestic agricultural production.
Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the ministry has established phased targets aimed at lowering the country’s annual food import bill, which currently stands at approximately RM80 billion.
Speaking after officiating the Risda Agro Majestic programme in Bandar Tenggara, Ahmad Zahid said the plan outlines a gradual reduction in food imports, beginning with a minimum 15 per cent decrease by 2030, followed by more than 30 per cent by 2040 before reaching the long-term target of a 50 per cent reduction by 2050.
According to him, the strategy is built around better utilisation of idle and underused land managed by agencies under KKDW. The ministry intends to transform these areas into Agro Madani projects and livestock farming sites capable of increasing domestic food production while creating additional economic opportunities in rural communities.
Implementation will involve close collaboration between agencies including RISDA, FELCRA, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and state agricultural authorities to coordinate agricultural development and improve production capacity.
Ahmad Zahid said the food security initiative was introduced nationwide three years ago and has already delivered encouraging results. He noted that poultry and layer farming projects implemented through agencies under KKDW have contributed to improving domestic supply, helping to moderate market prices for chicken and eggs.
He emphasised that the ministry’s involvement is not intended to compete with existing commercial livestock operators but rather to complement private sector production by increasing overall supply and strengthening the country’s food resilience.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, ensuring adequate domestic production remains essential for protecting consumers from supply disruptions and excessive price fluctuations, particularly for staple food products.
The initiative also supports wider government efforts to build a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector capable of responding to future economic and global supply chain challenges.
By maximising existing land resources and strengthening cooperation between government agencies, KKDW aims to reduce dependence on imported food while improving long-term food availability and supporting sustainable rural development.
The ministry believes that achieving the phased import reduction targets will not only strengthen national food security but also generate new opportunities for rural communities through expanded agricultural activities, higher productivity and increased participation in Malaysia’s food production ecosystem.
