KUALA LUMPUR, October 18 — The Malaysian government has allocated nearly RM1 billion in the 2025 budget for an innovative padi planting scheme aimed at enabling farmers to harvest five crops over two years. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the initiative in the Dewan Rakyat, highlighting its potential to increase the incomes of approximately 6,100 farmers by 43%.
Phase one of the scheme will target nearly 11,000 hectares in the Muda Agricultural Development Authority area, with an ambitious goal to boost rice yields by 15%. Drawing from successful rice management practices in Sekinchan and Sabak Bernam, Selangor, the initiative aims to leverage proven techniques capable of producing up to 12 tonnes of rice per hectare.
In addition to this scheme, Anwar noted that RM2.78 billion has been earmarked for various subsidies, assistance, and incentives within the agricultural sector. The government is also investing RM300 million in collaborations with state governments to enhance agricultural output, including onion cultivation in Perak and red tilapia farming in Pahang. Furthermore, nearly 3,561 hectares of idle land will be repurposed for diverse agricultural projects, encompassing organic chicken and cattle farming, reinforcing the government’s commitment to food security and agricultural sustainability.
