Malaysia Pulse delivers breaking news, politics, business, sports and lifestyle coverage from Malaysia and Southeast Asia — trusted, timely and independent.
More than 100 British organisations have called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to elevate food security to the same strategic importance as defence and energy, warning that another major disruption is inevitable.
Malaysia's Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu says negotiations over suspended shrimp imports from Thailand are approaching their final stage and should be resolved by mid-August.
Malaysia's Agriculture Minister Mohamad Sabu met with EU-ASEAN Business Council leaders to advance agricultural modernisation, including AI adoption, dairy supply chains, and free trade negotiations.
Malaysia and Hungary are broadening agricultural cooperation through research collaboration, technology sharing, and Hungary's involvement in the upcoming MAHA 2026 exhibition, aimed at enhancing regional food security.
Faisal Iswardi Ismail, who previously served as deputy director-general, has been promoted to lead FAMA, taking charge of the agency's efforts to support local farmers and strengthen the nation's food supply chains.
Malaysia's Social Innovation Programme has reached more than 6,700 people through 67 community-based projects worth RM13.97 million since 2021, with a new aquaponics initiative in Port Dickson showcasing sustainable food production technology.
Central Spectrum has distributed RM10,000 in food assistance to four mosques in Pulau Indah, Klang, as part of its community welfare programme targeting families and individuals in need across the district.
Malaysia's amended rice control law will spare paddy farmers from enforcement action, focusing instead on wholesalers, millers, importers and those involved in smuggling and hoarding, Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin announced.
The inaugural Road to MAHA Labuan 2026 has attracted 30,837 visitors in its opening two days, surpassing the 30,000-visitor target and generating almost RM800,000 in sales within the first 48 hours.
Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has declared food security a strategic imperative for Malaysia, citing escalating geopolitical tensions and climate disruptions threatening global supply chains.
Brunei's Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen has urged ASEAN and regional partners to strengthen cooperation on food and energy security, emphasising that no country can tackle modern challenges alone.
A fire at Selangor Wholesale Market destroyed three shoplots but did not disrupt overall operations. The state government plans to build a modern replacement facility beginning early next year.
Malaysia's agricultural TVET graduate employment has improved significantly to 76 per cent in 2024 from 61 per cent six years earlier, though the sector still trails the wider technical education benchmark of 95 per cent.
MAHA Pahang 2026 is setting ambitious targets of attracting more than 100,000 visitors and generating RM1.3 million in sales across the four-day agricultural exhibition at Dataran Raub from July 30 to August 2.
Malaysia's Finance Ministry clarified that savings from the targeted RON95 petrol subsidy mechanism are being reinvested into social protection programmes, food security initiatives, and business support rather than retained as fiscal surplus.
Malaysia's deputy agriculture minister has cautioned durian exporters to strictly adhere to agreed phytosanitary protocols with China, warning that unauthorised export methods could jeopardise the entire industry and market access worth RM868 million annually.
Six men, including a Malaysian citizen, have been charged in Shah Alam Sessions Court for unlawfully possessing more than six tonnes of subsidised cooking oil without the required licence.
Malaysia is implementing comprehensive measures to shield its agro-food sector from El Niño effects, including smart irrigation systems, drought-resistant rice varieties, and financial aid for affected farmers.
Malaysia is actively negotiating with Thailand to end a nine-year ban on shrimp exports and gain approval for livestock product sales. The discussions highlight ongoing trade tensions in Southeast Asia's agricultural sector.
Parliament's sitting today will tackle El Niño preparedness for agriculture, a recent hand grenade blast during Armed Forces training, and measures to counter deviant Islamic teachings circulating nationwide.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed government agencies to implement immediate safeguards protecting Malaysia's food supply from an intensifying El Niño phenomenon expected to disrupt agricultural output across the region.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has tasked the agriculture ministry with developing immediate safeguards against the impending Super El Niño weather pattern, which threatens Malaysia's food security starting November.
Malaysia's agricultural incentive schemes have lifted the self-sufficiency ratio for beef and buffalo meat to 18.4% in 2025, while dairy production self-sufficiency surged to 81.8%, demonstrating the effectiveness of government-backed farming programmes.
Indonesia's state logistics agency Bulog is advancing negotiations with Malaysia and Singapore on rice export agreements, with discussions centring on pricing and delivery arrangements for substantial shipments.
Malaysia's rice buffer stock can sustain domestic demand for six months, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah announced. The government has pledged to maintain Local White Rice prices unchanged despite global supply uncertainties, while allocating RM45.98 million in support to paddy farmers.
Malaysia's Parliament convenes to tackle pressing global and domestic issues, with lawmakers questioning the government's approach to UN reform, food security preparedness, and defence supply chain resilience.
Thailand and Malaysia have signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen agricultural cooperation, resolve shrimp and barramundi trade issues, and work towards a US$30 billion bilateral trade target, following talks between their prime ministers in Putrajaya.
Malaysia and Thailand have resolved outstanding fisheries disputes and agreed to implement a comprehensive agricultural cooperation memorandum within one week, during Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's first official visit to Malaysia.
Malaysia is in negotiations with Thailand and Chinese customs authorities to create a land-based durian export route to China, aiming to slash logistics expenses and unlock market opportunities across secondary Chinese cities.
A Batu Pahat smallholder has generated nearly RM126,000 in gross income from a RM15,000 government grant by raising egg-laying ducks on his oil palm plot, showcasing the viability of agricultural integration schemes.
Indonesia confronts an escalating drought crisis as El Niño conditions intensify, with over 7,800 households now lacking clean water access. Authorities warn of potential crop failures and food security threats without swift intervention.
Malaysia's government plans to slash food imports by half within three decades, beginning with a 15% reduction by 2030. The strategy focuses on developing idle agricultural land and expanding domestic livestock production.
Malaysia's Agricultural Research and Development Institute is developing local onion seed varieties expected to cut import spending by RM300 million and reach 30% self-sufficiency by 2030, marking a shift towards greater food security.
Cambodian PM Hun Manet has ordered authorities to eliminate illegal fishing in critical fish breeding zones, citing threats to livelihoods and food security. The government will expand military enforcement operations across Tonle Sap lake and coastal waters.