PUTRAJAYA: A modern agriculture strategy focusing on 5G technology is being drafted by the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) to strengthen the country’s food security agenda.
Development of the modern agriculture sector will also be expedited within the Iskandar Malaysia area to tackle food supply issues.
These were among the matters discussed at the 30th Irda meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Monday (July 25).
“The modern agriculture initiatives at Iskandar Malaysia will place Irda as the `agrifood hub’ of Malaysia,” he said in a statement after chairing the meeting.
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Also present were Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohamad Zuki Ali.
Ismail Sabri said Irda is also in the midst of drafting the Iskandar Malaysia Comprehensive Development Plan 2022-2030, which will turn the region into a core area of the national economy.
“The plan emphasises how we can ensure the country practices sustainable development and the economy remains resilient in facing shocks and pressures,” he said.
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Since its inception in 2007 to date, Irda has recorded RM219bil in investments, of which 60% or about RM221bil are domestic.
For this year, as of June, Iskandar Malaysia saw RM13bil in committed investment with RM6bil of that sum realised so far.
“The figures are testimony to the level of confidence that foreign investors have in Malaysia,” Ismail Sabri noted.
The Prime Minister added that RM10bil in foreign investment is also expected to be pumped in for the setting up of a data centre in the region.
