KOTA KINABALU, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has formed a strategic partnership with TM Technology Services Sdn Bhd (TM) to expand the use of digital and smart technologies in the agro-food sector.
The exchange of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was held between KPKM secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak and TM Government Business vice-president Mohamed Faisal Naina Mohamed, and witnessed by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
In a statement issued in conjunction with the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day 2025 celebration held here, KPKM said the partnership was in line with the ministry’s aspiration to transform the agro-food sector into a more modern, digital and sustainable industry.
“The scope of the partnership covers exploring digital transformation through consultation, research, training in advanced technology, and organising relevant programmes, including workshops and symposiums, as well as collaboration in digital and smart services within the agro-food sector,” it said.
Meanwhile, KPKM said it had launched a special competency certification syllabus for private agricultural drone operators to strengthen the use of drone technology in the agro-food sector.
According to the statement, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), in collaboration with KPKM, had developed the Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency – Agriculture Light (RCoC-AL) Certification Syllabus specifically for private agricultural drone operators.
“The launch of this syllabus marks a strategic collaboration between the two parties in supporting the national food security agenda, in line with the National Agrofood Policy 2021–2030,” it said.
The statement also highlighted three other initiatives implemented by KPKM, including the handover of Agro-Food Mechanisation and Automation (M&A) Programme 2025 cheques worth RM2.2 million to relevant departments and agencies in Sabah.
“The M&A initiative introduced by KPKM aims to expand the use of machinery as well as mechanisation and automation technology in the agro-food sector to increase productivity, improve operational efficiency and promote the adoption of modern technology.
“In accelerating the digital transformation of the agricultural sector, KPKM is also working with AgTech by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) through the Digital AgTech system. To date, more than 700 systems have been installed nationwide,” it added.
Through the Agrofood Value Chain Modernisation Programme (PMRNA), KPKM is providing a RM30 million financing facility for Bumiputera agri-entrepreneurs, offering loans of up to RM1 million at a three per cent rate over a 10-year term.
The programme promotes the use of agrotechnology to boost productivity and enhance food security, covering technology categories such as Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as mechanisation, automation, biotechnology and green technology.
--BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
