Malaysia signs MoUs to strengthen ASEAN and China food security cooperation

Malaysia has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening regional food security and trade through cooperation with ASEAN member states and China. During the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) meeting, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu signed agreements under the ASEAN Cooperation in Agriculture and Forest Products Scheme.

The cooperation focuses on five key areas, including enhancing regional food security, facilitating the trade of agricultural and forestry products, encouraging private sector investment, and promoting sustainable natural resource conservation. Malaysia will lead efforts for palm oil and cocoa commodities through the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will lead agrifood products.

Following his attendance at the 11th APEC Food Security Ministers' Meeting in Hangzhou, China, Mohamad Sabu emphasized the importance of adopting advanced technologies and structured planning to build a more resilient national food system. He noted that China’s success in empowering the agricultural sector through technology and rural development serves as a model that Malaysia can adapt to its local needs to ensure stable food supplies and support local farmers.