What's Happening?
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has emphasized the need to strengthen Malaysia's agricultural sector through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This initiative aims to reduce the country's dependence on food imports and ensure food security, particularly in the dairy sector. Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, announced that the National TVET Council is ready to collaborate with agricultural training institutions to implement high-tech courses that attract young people. He highlighted the importance of integrating modern teaching methods and the Internet of Things (IoT) into TVET, suggesting that learning should be predominantly field-based to provide real-world agricultural exposure. Zahid also proposed offering premium salaries to TVET graduates in agriculture to encourage more youth to enter the industry.
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Why It's Important?
The initiative to strengthen the agricultural sector through TVET is crucial for Malaysia's food security and economic stability. By reducing reliance on food imports, the country can better control its food supply and prices, which is vital for national security. The focus on high-tech agricultural training could lead to increased innovation and efficiency in the sector, potentially boosting local production and reducing costs. Offering competitive salaries to TVET graduates may attract more young people to agriculture, addressing workforce shortages and fostering a new generation of skilled professionals. This move could also enhance Malaysia's agricultural competitiveness on a global scale.
What's Next?
The Ehsan Dairy Farm project, described as a 'game-changer' by Zahid, is set to begin operations in early 2026. It will house over 1,200 dairy cows and aims to significantly boost local dairy production. This development is expected to reduce Malaysia's dairy import needs, which currently account for 94.7% of the country's consumption. The success of this project could pave the way for similar initiatives in other agricultural sectors, further decreasing import dependency. Stakeholders, including government bodies and agricultural institutions, are likely to monitor the project's progress closely and assess its impact on the national food security strategy.
