Malaysia Considers Land Bank to Cultivate Idle Farms, Aid Smallholders

The National Association of Smallholders Malaysia (PKPKM) has put forth a forward-thinking proposal to the government: the creation of a land bank. This initiative is designed to tackle the persistent issue of abandoned agricultural land, particularly among smallholders. Many of these plots lie fallow not due to a lack of desire, but because the owners, often elderly, lack the physical capacity or resources to cultivate them. Furthermore, the younger generation frequently views smallholding as an unappealing career path.

PKPKM President Adzmi Hassan champions this idea, emphasizing that a land bank could unlock the potential of these idle lands. By organizing and managing these areas, the government could ensure they are productively utilized, generating income for the landowners. This aligns with broader national goals of agricultural development and economic revitalization.

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Many plantations become abandoned and uncultivated because smallholders or owners are elderly and lack the capacity, including in terms of energy.

This proposal comes at a time when the government is already taking steps to support smallholders, including an increase in replanting aid for rubber. This financial boost is expected to benefit a significant number of smallholders, demonstrating a commitment to the sector. The land bank concept, therefore, represents a strategic extension of these efforts, offering a sustainable solution for land management and a pathway to improved livelihoods for many Malaysian farmers.

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Young people are not interested in becoming smallholders because they feel the career is not...