Malaysia defines two priorities to ensure food security

Hanoi (VNA) – The Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has set two major priorities for this year - reforming the national rice and paddy industry, and increasing productivity in the ruminant sector, particularly beef and buffalo meat production.

KPKM Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu was quoted by local media as saying that the rice and paddy industry reforms aim not only to ensure self-sufficiency in the local rice supply but also to modernise the sector with sustainable, competitive, and eco-friendly approaches.

As rice demand grows, Malaysia must increase paddy production to achieve a national self-sufficiency level of 71%, compared to the current 56%. However, challenges such as recent floods and prolonged droughts have further affected yields.

To enhance competitiveness, improve farmers’ welfare, and ensure a secure rice supply, KPKM has outlined four key strategies.

The four strategies are upgrading irrigation infrastructure within and outside designated granary areas, developing new granary zones in Sabah and Sarawak, redeveloping abandoned paddy fields nationwide, and restructuring the rice and paddy value chain.

On increasing ruminant productivity, Mohamad said KPKM will import more breeds from overseas to increase domestic meat production.

In November 2024, to address these challenges, a Special Committee on Ruminant Industry Empowerment was established. The main focus of this committee is to empower the national ruminant industry so it can grow more sustainably and competitively./.

VNA

See more

mbassador Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Permanent Representative of Laos to the United Nations (UN) (Photo: https://kpl.gov.la/)

Laos works closely with UNICEF to protect children’s rights

Ambassador Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Permanent Representative of Laos to the United Nations (UN) emphasised the partnership between UNICEF and the Lao government in ensuring and promoting children's rights and well-being, while mentioning challenges ahead, particularly amid climate change and global economic uncertainties.

Deputy for tourism and infrastructure development at the Ministry of Tourism Hariyanto. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia boosts culinary tourism

To promote Indonesian culinary tourism, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is currently focusing on culinary products to ensure that tourism products can move up a class. It is also paying attention to wellness tourism, gastronomy, marine, and fashion.

A truck arrives as another departs from Laem Chabang deep-sea port in Chon Buri province. Thai exports to the US could face higher trade barriers. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Thai exporters risk higher US tariffs: expert

Thai exports to the US that are at risk of US trade barriers include Bluetooth modules, broadband products, solar modules, power adapters, machinery and parts, auto parts, mobile camera modules, and air conditioners.

Illustrative image (Photo: Internet)

Lao, Cambodian Parties vow to tighten ties

The 15th high-level meeting between the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) took place in Vientiane, Laos on February 7.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on February 6, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)

Thailand, China strengthen bilateral ties

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn affirmed Thailand's commitment to deepening law enforcement cooperation with China and its neighbouring countries, pledging strong and decisive actions to combat cross-border crimes, including online gambling and telecom fraud.

Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen begins visit to Laos. (Photo: cpp.org.kh)

Lao, Cambodian legislative bodies enhance collaboration

The two sides appreciated the strong and close collaboration between Laos and Cambodia as well as their legislative bodies, reflected through the implementation of the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the two legislatures, such as all-level delegation exchanges, and experience sharing.