REPRESENTATIVES of home-based agro-entrepreneurs and farming cooperatives across Penang received machinery, equipment and financial support under the Food Security Strengthening Programme 2025, in a significant boost to the state’s agricultural productivity and income generation.
Among those representing the home-based industry recipients were Lim Fong Loong, who represented 28 participants from North Seberang Perai (SPU) involving an allocation of RM253,404, Ahmad Zahir Ahmad Zubir representing 40 participants from Central Seberang Perai (SPT) (RM268,017.90), Nur Baizura Mangshor representing 27 participants from South Seberang Perai (SPS) (RM210,410), and Kasturi Devi Appanna, representing 31 participants from Northeast and Southwest districts on the island (RM268,168.10).
In addition, four agricultural cooperatives received modern machinery to enhance operational efficiency.
They were Koperasi Kelompok Padang Tembusu Pulau Pinang, which received a 4WD 85HP tractor worth RM119,600, Koperasi Permatang Kuang Berhad and Koperasi Usahawan Tani Seberang Perai Utara, each receiving a 2WD semi crawler 85HP tractor worth RM150,600, and Koperasi Kelompok Permatang Pasir Pulau Pinang Berhad, which received an agricultural drone valued at RM43,300.
The handover ceremony was officiated by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the PICCA@Butterworth Arena Convention Centre on the mainland today.
Chow said the initiative reflects the continued commitment of both the state government and the Federal Government to strengthen the national food security agenda, in line with the Madani aspirations and Penang2030 vision, which focuses on sustainability, inclusivity and people’s wellbeing.
“For 2025, a total of RM13.4 million has been channelled to the Penang state Department of Agriculture, benefiting more than 14,000 farmers statewide.
“Of this, RM5.53 million was contributed by the state government, while the Federal Government allocated RM7.84 million through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Malaysia,” he said.
Chow added that the government had also allocated RM1 million for the Home-Based Agro Industry Programme and RM500,000 for the Agricultural Mechanisation Incentive Programme, including the tractors and drones presented today.
He stressed that mechanisation is crucial in reducing operational costs, addressing labour shortages, improving farm management efficiency and encouraging the adoption of modern technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT).
“To date, 11 active agricultural cooperatives in Penang are set to benefit directly from this initiative,” he said.
Chow also highlighted that the paddy sector remains the backbone of Penang’s food security, with RM1.88 million allocated for paddy development in Kampung Guar Petai, North Seberang Perai, as well as RM450,000 in special assistance benefiting 5,567 paddy farmers statewide.
He added that Penang has successfully maintained its position among the top paddy-producing states in Malaysia for seven consecutive years, recording an average yield of 4.80 metric tonnes per hectare.
Meanwhile, state Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said the programme plays a key role in enhancing food safety, compliance with regulations and strengthening the competitiveness of agro-entrepreneurs.
“The assistance includes food processing equipment, technical training, human capital development, branding and labelling support, marketing opportunities, as well as the Typhoid Injection Programme to ensure food operators meet public health requirements and boost consumer confidence.
“The state government is confident that this initiative will not only strengthen the local food industry but also create more economic opportunities for the people,” he said.
Chow expressed hope that all recipients would fully utilise the assistance provided, adding that strong collaboration between the government, implementing agencies and the farming community will ensure Penang’s agricultural sector continues to play a vital role in strengthening national food security.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis