By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Oct 14 — The food security programme, including choosing the state as a pilot project, aligns with the Selangor Agricultural Transformation Plan (PeTA) launched last year.
Consequently, the state government is prepared to collaborate with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to coordinate the programme and ensure food supply for the people, said the state executive councillor for agriculture Izham Hashim.
Via the plan outlined in Budget 2024, the agriculture sector can be elevated, resulting in high-quality agricultural products and improved living standards for farmers.
“This plan aligns with the state government’s objectives. It does not just focus on the output but encompasses the entire agricultural ecosystem.
“This includes seedling or cultivation, the use of organic fertilisers which can preserve soil resources, thus preventing water pollution,” he said when contacted.
Yesterday, during the budget’s tabling, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM400 million allocation for a food security programme to reduce import dependence.
Of this figure, RM50 million will be used for open fertiliser procurement and pilot projects in Selangor, Perak, Terengganu, and Penang, and RM150 million for collaboration with state governments to optimise land use.
