TARGET 30% GRAIN CORN IN MALAYSIA

MALAYSIA launched new local grain maize (corn) varieties and kicked off large-scale commercial cultivation at Genting Tanah Merah Estate in Sepang, Selangor to slash its RM3 billion annual import dependency. Led by Agriculture and Food Security Minister stated that the national initiative targets a 30% self-sufficiency rate to stabilize local chicken and egg prices. Reported that the project highlights and goals is for Import Reduction in which Malaysia currently imports 100% of its grain maize (roughly 2.5 million tonnes yearly) and for an 
Initial Output where the local production aims to cover 3% to 4% of domestic demand in its initial phase. Government aim the target to achieve at least a 30% domestic production buffer against global supply and geopolitical shocks. There are few major hubs for a large-scale planting is underway across Perlis (2,500 hectares), Sarawak (5,500 hectares) and alongside active sites in Perak, Johor and Pahang respectively as reported by local media. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" I rewrite the latest development of grain corn industry targeted in Malaysia recently.

A report stated 'Nation targets 30% grain corn self-sufficiency to reduce import risks' in which Malaysia is stepping up large-scale grain corn cultivation to reduce its dependence on imports and strengthen national food security amid growing climate and geopolitical uncertainties, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said. He said the move was critical as Malaysia currently relies entirely on imported grain corn to meet domestic demand. Malaysia are now facing hot weather and El Nino which is expected to be more severe next year as is what we are forecasting but we cannot predict geopolitics. It can happen anywhere and Malaysia need to prepare so that even if cannot be fully self-sufficient at least produce part of our requirements in Malaysia. Minister was speaking to reporters at the launch of a local grain corn variety and large-scale grain corn cultivation programme at Genting Tanah Merah Estate in Sepang today. Malaysia could no longer afford to rely entirely on overseas supplies but noting that the country imported an average of 2.5 million tonnes of grain corn annually between 2010 and 2024 at a cost exceeding RM3 billion a year. Malaysia should target at least 30 per cent for the domestic production, equivalent to a 30 per cent self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) to provide a buffer against potential disruptions to international supplies. This would serve as a defensive buffer and shock absorber should a supply crisis occur overseas and reported that a large-scale cultivation was also planned in Perlis, covering about 2,500 hectares and Sarawak covering approximately 5,500 hectares. The two states are expected to become among the country's major grain corn cultivation centres, alongside planting that has already begun in parts of Perak, Johor and Pahang. The domestic grain corn production remained relatively small, but output from projects in Sepang and Perlis was expected to begin becoming evident towards the end of this year.  

On other local media reported that Malaysia has taken a step towards reducing its 100% dependence on imported grain maize through large-scale local production to meet domestic demand. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the move was crucial to strengthening the country’s food security, particularly amid geopolitical uncertainties and the risk of disruptions to global supply chains. This is our effort with Mardi (Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute). Alhamdulillah, Mardi has produced the MZ1 and MZ2 grain (maize varieties), which are suitable for large-scale cultivation at Genting Tanah Merah Estate in Sepang. We hope this initiative will continue. Now, we are starting large-scale production of local grain maize...the most important thing is the cooperation of large companies,” he told a press conference after officiating at the launch of the Local Grain Maize Varieties and Large-Scale Grain Maize Cultivation here on Monday. With the theme “Memperkasa Industri Jagung Bijian, Memperkukuh Keterjaminan Makanan Negara”, Mohamad said the large-scale grain maize cultivation project currently covers about 400 hectares, with the first harvest expected by the end of this year. A collaboration with private companies including Genting Plantations Bhd is crucial to ensuring the development of the local grain maize industry can be carried out commercially and on a large scale. The local grain maize production was expected to meet around 3% to 4% of domestic demand at the initial stage, while reaching the 30% target would require a large-scale expansion of the cultivated area.Currently Malaysia’s annual grain maize imports currently stood at about 2.5 million tonnes, valued at RM3 billion, making efforts to boost local production crucial to reducing dependence on external supplies. Ministry plans were also underway for large-scale grain maize cultivation covering about 2,500 hectares in Perlis and 5,500 hectares in Sarawak, while planting had already begun in Perak, Johor and Pahang. Expressing optimism about local grain maize production, he said the pilot project could help stabilise chicken and egg prices, as the commodity is one of the key ingredients in livestock feed. This is because chicken prices depend heavily on the cost of chicken feed. We currently import 100% of our soybeans and grain maize. Thanks...

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(August 2026).