Malaysia's rice ecosystem needs reform and restructuring

Farmers in Kampung Santan, Kangar, are harvesting their crops early due to a lack of water, signaling immediate problems within Malaysia's rice cultivation sector. Abdul Rashid Yob, chairman of the Malaysian Farmers Association (Pesawah), stated that the entire rice ecosystem, from seed planting to final rice production, needs a complete overhaul.

He emphasized that the core issue is not solely the amount of aid provided but the inequitable profit distribution within the rice industry's supply chain. Yob explained that out of the RM2.62 billion allocated for farmers in the 2026 budget, a significant portion does not reach them directly. "Only about 30 percent is channeled directly to farmers," he noted, indicating a systemic flaw in how benefits are distributed.

The current structure disadvantages farmers, who are at the beginning of the production chain. The early harvesting due to water scarcity suggests that the problems extend beyond financial distribution to essential resources needed for cultivation. This situation underscores the urgency for the proposed restructuring to ensure farmers receive fair compensation and adequate resources.