Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians to use unused land around their homes for small-scale farming as a way to cut food costs and reduce reliance on markets.
‘Don’t leave land idle’
Speaking at the national-level 40th anniversary celebration of Pasar Tani, Anwar told reporters that it was unreasonable for households with green plots of land to leave them unused while complaining about food prices.
He said that while buying at pasar tani is relatively cheaper, he questioned why the many green plots of land couldn’t be used for planting.
Government ready to provide support
According to Oriental Daily, Anwar said the government is prepared to supply seeds, technical guidance, and training, but stressed that the initiative must come from the people.
He also cited his own experience during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he grew pineapples, bananas, papayas, and vegetables at his homes in Segambut and Sungai Long.
Mat Sabu: It’s about self-sufficiency, not profit
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, better known as Mat Sabu, echoed the call, saying the goal was not commercial farming but self-sufficiency.
He encouraged Malaysians with larger homes, such as bungalows, to cultivate crops and even donate surplus produce to others.
Mat Sabu said his ministry will step up campaigns on TV, radio, and social media platforms including TikTok to promote urban farming and aquaculture.
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