STATEMENT BY
H.E. MR. SYED MOHD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UN
AT THE SECOND COMMITTEE
OF THE 76TH SESSION OF THE
UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON
AGENDA ITEM 26:
AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT, FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION
NEW YORK, 6 OCTOBER 2021
Madam Chair,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statement made by Guinea on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and by Cambodia on behalf of ASEAN.
Madam Chair,
- The spectre of the COVID-19 pandemic is still upon us. My country, like many others has been deeply affected by its impact. However, our resolve to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition as well as promote sustainable agriculture in line with Goal 2 of the SDG remains strong. We recognise that in our commitment towards this objective, overcoming the pandemic will be key.
- In putting forth our best efforts towards recovery, we further recognise the importance of building resilience for the future and the need to protect the most vulnerable among us, so that no one is left behind. Here, I would like to highlight a number of important initiatives that are being carried out in Malaysia.
COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package in Agriculture
- Firstly – the Covid-19 Economic Stimulus Package in Agriculture. Under this programme, a total of USD 240 million Food Security Fund has been allocated by the government to be channelled to farmers, fishermen, breeders, as well as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This fund is a crucial lifeline for the financing of the agrofood sector and contribute towards domestic production and the sustainability of the food supply chain.
- To further facilitate the recovery process, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry has implemented key programmes including:
- Micro Credit Financial Scheme – which offers opportunities for entrepreneurs especially farmers’ market, fishermen’s market, and morning market traders to restart their business after the lockdown period;
- Leveraging on the e-commerce platform – which is a collaborative effort with e-marketplace platform providers to enable farmers to market their agricultural products in bulk; and
- Agrofood Workforce Mobility – a strategy to train and educate the workforce to venture into the agriculture and plantation sector.
National Agrofood Policy (2021-2030)
- Secondly – Malaysia is currently finalising the National Agrofood Policy (2021-2030) which will drive the growth and development of the national agrofood sector over the next decade. A key consideration in the formulation of this policy was the emphasis on smallholder farmer and food producers as they account for roughly 75% of the agrofood industry players.
- The main focus of the National Agrofood Policy will include embracing modernisation and smart agriculture, strengthening domestic market and producing export - oriented products, building talent that meet the demand of the industry, advancing towards sustainable agriculture practices and food systems as well as creating a conducive business ecosystem and robust institutional framework.
The National Plan of Action for Nutrition
Thirdly – Malaysia recently concluded its review of the Third National Plan of Action for Nutrition which was launched in 2016. The plan has been further bolstered with the adoption of several policies for safe and sustainable food including through the establishment of the Digital Food Safety Data Management.
Madam Chair,
- The pandemic has exposed the fragility of the global food systems. It is our firm belief that efforts towards a comprehensive transformation of food systems requires close cooperation between governments and agricultural stakeholders, including industry leaders and innovators.
- We would also need to forge better partnerships to complement national efforts. Only then, we would be able to accelerate global action in realising a comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable food systems that will bring us closer towards achieving the 2030 Agenda.
I thank you