SELANGOR and Pahang are pooling land, technology, logistics and agricultural expertise to boost food production and strengthen national food security.
The partnership was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) and Pahang Agriculture Development Corporation (PKPP).
It was witnessed by Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
The MOU was signed by PKPS group chief executive officer Datuk Dr Mohamad Khairil Mohamad Razi, PKPS finance, investment and secretariat division general manager Noraini Mohamad Ramlan, PKPP deputy chief executive officer (management) Sharifah Norjannah Syed Agil and PKPP deputy chief executive officer (development) Ahmad Hisham Abdul Halim during a ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur.
Sultan Abdullah said the collaboration could bring economic benefits to both states.
He said Selangor has developed a strong agricultural sector, particularly in areas such as Sekinchan, while Pahang still had land with agricultural potential.
“One of my priorities during visits to various districts in Pahang was to find out how much agricultural land remained available for development.
“Much of the state’s potentially productive land was not owned by the state, making it necessary to explore suitable approaches to ensure these resources could be utilised effectively.
“My approach is to ensure that every inch of land in this state is put to productive use,” he said.
Amirudin said cooperation between states was important in strengthening the country’s food security.
“Selangor is a major economic hub and the largest consumption centre in the Klang Valley, with an established marketing ecosystem, strong logistical capabilities and agrofood technology expertise spearheaded by PKPS.
“Pahang has vast land resources, favourable agroclimatic conditions and the expertise of PKPP in managing land development and working with local communities,” he said.
Amirudin said combining the strengths from both states would allow for better use of their respective resources and capabilities towards public benefit.
Mohamad Khairil said the combination of PKPS’ experience, technology and agrofood business models with PKPP’s land resources and strong local network would create new opportunities for sustainable agricultural development.
The collaboration, he said, would focus on four areas.
The first is the development of a modern padi cultivation model under the Jelapang Padi Darul Makmur initiative.
“PKPS will share its expertise in modern rice cultivation through the Smart Sawah Berskala Besar model, mechanisation and proven standard operating procedures to improve padi productivity and increase the income of local farmers in Pahang,” he said.
“The successful model of the Jelapang Padi Darul Ehsan pilot project in Sekinchan last year, could be replicated in Pahang
“The project yielded 7.5 tonnes padi per hectare compared to 4.29 tonnes for the whole of Selangor,” he said.
The second area involves developing a grain corn hub by combining PKPP’s land resources with PKPS’ agronomic expertise.
The third will focus on agriculture using fertigation technology, particularly under the Shahzan Makmur Community Fertigation Programme.
The fourth area covers agro-tourism development, such as the Selangor Fruit Valley.
Mohamad Khairil said similar projects in Pahang could create new attractions for domestic and international visitors, while providing additional economic opportunities for local agropreneurs.
