Malaysia Launches Large-Scale Local Grain Maize Production to Reduce RM3 Billion Import Reliance

SEPANG, Aug 17 — Malaysia has taken a major step toward curbing its total reliance on imported grain maize by launching large-scale domestic cultivation to bolster national food security.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu highlighted that boosting local production is essential to safeguarding the nation’s food supply against global supply chain disruptions and escalating geopolitical volatility.

Speaking at a press conference after officiating the launch of the Local Grain Maize Varieties and Large-Scale Grain Maize Cultivation project here today, Mohamad revealed that the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) has successfully developed two new hybrid varieties—MZ1 and MZ2. These varieties are currently being cultivated on a commercial scale at the Genting Tanah Merah Estate in Sepang.

“This is our effort with MARDI. Alhamdulillah, MARDI has produced the MZ1 and MZ2 grain varieties, which are suitable for large-scale cultivation at Genting Tanah Merah Estate in Sepang. We hope this initiative will continue,” Mohamad Sabu said, adding that “now, we are starting large-scale production of local grain maize… the most important thing is the cooperation of large companies.”

Held under the theme “Memperkasa Industri Jagung Bijian, Memperkukuh Keterjaminan Makanan Negara” (Empowering the Grain Maize Industry, Strengthening National Food Security), the pilot project presently covers approximately 400 hectares, with its inaugural harvest expected by the end of this year.

Emphasizing the pivotal role of public-private partnerships, Mohamad Sabu noted, “Collaboration with private companies, including Genting Plantations Bhd, is crucial to ensuring the development of the local grain maize industry can be carried out commercially and on a large scale.”

Currently, Malaysia relies on imports for 100 per cent of its grain maize needs—totaling roughly 2.5 million tonnes annually at a cost of RM3 billion. Mohamad stated that local output is expected to meet three to four per cent of domestic demand in its initial phase next year, though reaching a 30 per cent self-sufficiency target will require a major expansion of cultivated land.

“So, next year, it may reach three to four per cent,” Mohamad Sabu confirmed.

To reach these long-term goals, plans are underway for large-scale grain maize cultivation covering about 2,500 hectares in Perlis and 5,500 hectares in Sarawak, while planting has already commenced across Perak, Johor, and Pahang.

Expressing optimism, the minister noted that local maize production could help stabilize chicken and egg prices nationwide, given that grain maize is a vital component in livestock feed.

“This is because chicken prices depend heavily on the cost of chicken feed. We currently import 100 per cent of our soybeans and grain maize. Now, we have the technology to produce grain maize locally,” Mohamad Sabu said.

–NMT