Malaysian government invests in local onion production

The Malaysian government has committed RM12mn (US$2.69mn) to expand and modernise its onion supply chain in 2025, aiming to reduce the country’s reliance on imports, according to local daily The Star. The department of agriculture director-general, Datuk Nor Sam Alwi told the publication the government aims to develop a sustainable onion industry that empowers local farmers and strengthens Malaysia’s agricultural sector. “This fund will be allocated to develop infrastructure, including irrigation systems, storage and drying facilities that will support the entire onion supply chain,” she said. “The fund will also be used to provide technical assistance, support and training or capacity building for farmers, ensuring they adopt the latest farming techniques and best practices.” The initiative will, according to Nor Sam, help Malaysia lower its import dependence ratio (IDR), enhance the self-sufficiency rate (SSR) and improve food security, while also creating job opportunities. “In ...