KPKM To Adopt Sandbox Approach To Align Agrifood Business Regulations

SERDANG, Sept 5 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) plans to adopt a “sandbox” approach in collaboration with local authorities (PBT) to align legal and regulatory frameworks governing new business models in the agrifood sector.

Its Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, said the move is crucial to ensure the orderly development of new guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs), while supporting the growth potential of local entrepreneurs.

“These business models hold great potential and are in high demand. However, there are legal aspects that need to be aligned with local authorities to enable nationwide implementation.

“The sandbox approach allows us to identify and overcome various legal and regulatory hurdles. We aim to operate with flexibility rather than rigidity to unlock further opportunities for value creation in the future,” he said.

He said this after officiating the launch of the Integrated Management Autonomous Network (IMAN) digital system, an artificial intelligence (AI) platform developed for DAEM Sdn Bhd that enables customers to place meat orders directly via WhatsApp.

The launch was held in conjunction with the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism (MAHA) exhibition at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) here today.

Also present were Department of Veterinary Services director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Noor Hisham Mohd Haron,  celebrity and entrepreneur Alif Satar, who is a DAEM co-founder, and fellow DAEM co-founder Muhammad Radhi Azizan.

Isham said that while a flexible regulatory approach was being adopted, requirements concerning food safety, quality and Halal status remained mandatory and could not be compromised.

“When consumers purchase products such as this meat, we must ensure that they are safe, meet all mandatory requirements and comply with Syariah principles in terms of Halal status. This is crucial to instilling public confidence that local products are not only of high quality but also safe for consumption,” he said.

On MAHA 2026, which concludes tomorrow, Isham said this year’s event had been a tremendous success, as reflected by the high visitor turnout and effective promotion of the national food security agenda.

He said the initial investment target of RM8 billion had been surpassed, with investments reaching RM9.3 billion today and expected to exceed RM10 billion by the final day of the event, which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to attend for the closing ceremony tomorrow.

“The hosting of MAHA demonstrates that the agricultural sector is not merely a dynamic economic activity but also a strategic pillar for the nation in achieving its food security agenda,” he said.

-- BERNAMA