The pandemic has shown time and time again that agriculture plays a vital role in generating income for the country and also pave the way towards positioning the country in a more independent position without having to rely on imports.
The agriculture sector is projected to grow by 3.8% per annum during the 12th Plan period and contribute 7% to GDP in 2025. In this regard, the agro food sector growth target is expected to grow at 4.5% per annum during the 12th Plan period. The 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) will place this sector among the major contributors to the country’s GDP.
During the implementation period of the 12MP, the agriculture sector will be intensified by using smart technologies to increase productivity and strengthen the level of national food security across all agro food sub-sectors.
In pushing the development of industry forward in engraving an identity of its own and to encourage agropreneurs of the country to market products unique to districts and the country.
As part of Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI) efforts and In line with the aspirations of the and under the 12MP, a fourth pasar tamu will be set up in Beluran at the cost of RM746,000.
As part of establishing the 12MP initiatives related to agriculture, the 4th pasar tamu underwayis among the Ministry’s efforts through the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) to encourage unique identities of local markets that cater to different areas and offerings.
The new market aims to be ready by mid-2022 and is set to benefit 170 participants that is involved in promoting agro-based products and help small entrepreneurs market their own products. This is aligned with MAFI’s efforts in promoting local agro-products through various incentives as well as tackling food security.
In improving the various pasar tamu across the state, MAFI hopes to move will boost the direct involvement of farmers, producers, and entrepreneurs across the ecosystem.
“The upgrading works are part of the transformation programme to strengthen the retail network between Sabah and Sarawak. It started in 2016 during the 11MP where RM9.5 million was allocated to FAMA,” said Datuk Seri Dr. Ronald Kiandee, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry.
According to FAMA, the pasar tamu in Sook and Kudat has been upgraded while the one in Kunak is currently under construction and is targeted to be completed by next March. To date, nine pasar tamu has been upgraded.
FAMA has also built four Weekly Markets in Sabah worth RM3.2 million and five Weekly Markets in Sarawak worth RM4.5 million. Reports by FAMA found that the upgrades have enabled traders to boost their sales by 30%.
As for the Beluran pasar tamu, MAFI has reported that the administration will be handed to the Beluran District Council once the upgrading is completed.
“The reopening of local markets nationwide will benefit more than 9,000 entrepreneurs that are expected to generate more than RM110 million and provide opportunities to 2.5 million customers to have access to local agrofood products,” Ronald adds.
