In-depth reporting on Malaysia and the region.
Malaysia maintains 1.237 million tonnes of rice reserves providing six months' supply, the deputy agriculture minister told parliament, as the government pursues drought-resistant varieties and subsidies to bolster food security.
Malaysia's anti-corruption authority has arrested a former plantation manager in connection with alleged misappropriation of roughly RM8 million in contracts related to rubber seedling supply operations in the Klang Valley region.
Authorities in Tumpat arrested a 55-year-old man after recovering 52 durian saplings believed smuggled from Thailand, highlighting ongoing cross-border agricultural smuggling issues.
Vietnam is tightening oversight of its durian export certification system following a corruption investigation that exposed bribery and fraudulent practices. The crackdown aims to protect the country's billion-dollar durian industry as it seeks continued market access in China.
Authorities arrested a Thai national caught smuggling petai and pomelos valued at approximately RM8,000 through an illegal jetty in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, highlighting ongoing cross-border contraband challenges.
Vietnam has detained its deputy agriculture minister and three others in an expanding corruption investigation centred on durian exports to China, the country's most important agricultural market.
The debut Road to MAHA Labuan 2026 has drawn over 30,800 visitors in its opening two days, surpassing the 30,000-visitor target. Sales have reached nearly RM800,000, putting organisers on track to achieve the RM1.6 million target.
Malaysia has green-lit support for 144,894 agricultural smallholders as the government launches a nationwide information campaign to help farmers access financial aid and technical services.
The Pahang state government has unveiled ambitious targets for MAHA Pahang 2026, expecting over 100,000 visitors and RM1.3 million in sales during the four-day agricultural exhibition scheduled for July 30 to August 2 at Dataran Raub.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the importance of continuously strengthening FELDA to uplift settlers and their families, with focus on economic competitiveness and younger generation concerns.
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin's Dapur Komuniti initiative addresses agricultural oversupply in Besut by converting surplus produce into value-added products, reducing waste whilst creating new income streams for local farmers.
Malaysia is ramping up defences against El Niño by boosting water management efficiency, deploying advanced irrigation technology, and distributing millions in aid to rice farmers facing drought conditions.
Malaysian fertiliser company Cropmate says authorities have released its frozen bank accounts. The firm also confirms no employees or directors face arrest or charges.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to take immediate action to shield Malaysia's food supply from the looming Super El Niño phenomenon, which could severely disrupt agricultural production across the region.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the agriculture ministry to urgently develop strategies to counteract anticipated food production disruptions from Super El Niño conditions expected to arrive in Malaysia from November.
Indonesia's state logistics agency Bulog is pressing ahead with negotiations to export rice to Malaysia and Singapore, with talks focusing on pricing structures and delivery arrangements for substantial shipments.
Malaysia's parliament has approved amendments to strengthen food security and combat smuggling in the rice industry, imposing substantially higher penalties for violations following 32 years without regulatory updates.
Malaysia's rice supply remains secure with a six-month buffer stock in place, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah confirmed. The government has pledged to keep Local White Rice prices stable while supporting paddy farmers with RM45.98 million in incentives.
Malaysia and Thailand have settled longstanding fisheries disputes and agreed to implement a comprehensive Agricultural Cooperation MoU within seven days, signalling strengthened regional food security ties.
Winemakers on Greece's Santorini island are experimenting with innovative irrigation techniques including recycled wastewater and atmospheric water harvesting as severe droughts and record temperatures threaten the region's wine production.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested three people, including two company directors in the rice sector, over allegations of submitting forged documents to fraudulently obtain approximately RM20 million in trade working capital financing.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has summoned Felda management to his office to tackle persistent complaints from settlers. The meeting signals renewed government attention to agricultural scheme concerns.
Malaysia's Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority has recorded RM46.72 million in sales through its Agro MADANI programme in the first five months of 2024, conducting 1,833 nationwide events to connect farmers and producers directly with consumers.