Malaysia Steps Up Local Seed Development To Reduce Import Dependence - Mohamad Sabu

SERDANG, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) is stepping up efforts to develop a wider range of locally produced crop seed varieties as Malaysia seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on imported seeds.

Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said nearly 90 per cent of the country's vegetable seed requirements are currently imported, leaving the local agricultural sector vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, trade restrictions and rising input costs.

He said developing the domestic seed industry was also important to protect local farmers from counterfeit or substandard seeds that could affect crop yields and their income.

“Food sovereignty cannot be fully achieved as long as this dependence continues. At present, nearly 90 per cent of the country's vegetable seed requirements are still imported.

“In fact, the value of crop seed imports has increased significantly, from about USD5 million in 2021 to USD70 million in 2025,” he said.

Mohamad was speaking at the National Crop Seed Industry Empowerment Programme in conjunction with the 2026 Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show (MAHA) at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) here today.

He said KPKM was in the final stages of drafting the Plant Seed Quality Bill. At the same time, amendments were being made to the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act 2004 (Act 634) to align it with international standards.

He said the proposed law, once passed by Parliament, would serve as an important instrument to strengthen regulation of the country's seed industry.

Under the proposed legislation, parties involved throughout the seed supply chain, including producers, processors, distributors, sellers, importers and exporters, would be required to comply with prescribed quality standards.

“The government will also continue to strengthen the role of the National Seed Council and expand regional cooperation through the ASEAN Seed Council and industry associations such as the National Seed Association of Malaysia to ensure local industry standards remain globally competitive,” he said.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Mohamad said MAHA 2026 had attracted 2.2 million visitors as of yesterday and recorded RM14 million in sales.

MAHA 2026, which runs from Aug 28 to Sept 6, involves about 2,000 exhibitors and is targeting more than four million visitors.

-- BERNAMA