Tag: fertilisers

M’sia, NZ To Enhance Agricultural Cooperation Amid Global Supply Uncertainties

PUTRAJAYA, May 23 -- Malaysia and New Zealand have expressed commitment to enhancing cooperation to address the global fuel supply crisis and food supply chain uncertainties, including strategic collaboration on critical agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, dairy products and grains. In addition, Malaysia expressed confidence in New Zealand’s regulatory system for agricultural products and encouraged the country to explore opportunities for sharing expertise in the field. The matter was highlighted during a courtesy call by New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia Michael Walsh on Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak here yesterday. The meeting followed an earlier discussion held in September 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral agricultural trade relations between Malaysia and New Zealand. KPKM said in a statement today that New Zealand also offered capacity-building opportunities for KPKM officers through the ASEAN-New Zealand Manaaki Scholarship, in addition to existing cooperation under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Committee of the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (MNZFTA). Isham also invited New Zealand to participate in the 2026 Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA), scheduled to take place from Aug 28 to Sept 6, in Serdang under the theme “Value Creation for Food Security”. Agricultural trade between Malaysia and New Zealand totalled RM5.57 billion in 2025, with Malaysia’s exports comprising animal feed ingredients, while major imports from New Zealand consisted of dairy products. Dairy products remained New Zealand’s largest export component to Malaysia, contributing about 75 per cent of total bilateral trade in the sector. In addition, the two countries continue to maintain close cooperation through regional and multilateral platforms, including the MNZFTA and the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area. Malaysia and New Zealand will also celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 23 — Malaysia and New Zealand have expressed commitment to enhancing cooperation to address the global fuel supply crisis and food supply chain uncertainties, including strategic collaboration on critical agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, dairy products and grains. In addition, Malaysia expressed confidence in New Zealand’s regulatory system for agricultural products and encouraged […]

Penang needs to draft a master plan for green waste, high-tech e-waste – Reezal Merican

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has great potential to transform waste into new wealth by attracting foreign investment based on high technology as a new economic driver for the state. Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican (BN-Bertam) said in this regard, he proposed that the state government draw up a comprehensive Green Waste and High-Tech E-Waste Master Plan. "The e-waste recycling industry has high potential because it involves processing valuable metals such as nickel, lithium and cobalt. "In fact, seven out of 17 licensed companies in Malaysia are already operating in Penang and this is an advantage that should be fully utilized," he said when debating the motion of thanks for the policy speech by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here. He, who is also the Chairman of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), also emphasised the importance of the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) project which can solve the problem of solid waste while generating energy. However, he said its implementation required careful planning and full support from Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the state's top leadership. Reezal Merican said this is not just an environmental issue, but rather a huge economic opportunity that cannot be missed. According to him, in this regard, the state government needs to act immediately before Penang falls behind in the green economy and the circular economy. Meanwhile, he also suggested that the state government provide a one-time incentive of RM500 to each farmer to help them cope with the recent soaring price increases in agricultural inputs. He said the proposal was put forward to ease the burden on rice farmers who were affected by the increasing costs of fertilisers, pesticides and other agricultural inputs. "The state government can consider providing a one-off incentive of RM500 to farmers to help them at this time. This is among the direct support measures that can be implemented immediately," he said. He said the agricultural sector, especially rice crops, needed to continue to be given attention by the state government given its importance in terms of ensuring the country's food supply. -- BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has great potential to transform waste into new wealth by attracting foreign investment based on high technology as a new economic driver for the state. Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican (BN-Bertam) said in this regard, he proposed that the state government draw up a comprehensive Green Waste and High-Tech E-Waste Master […]