SEREMBAN: Idle land is being sought by the government to lease or rent for modern farming to ensure food security, says Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
He said government-linked companies under Ministry of Finance Inc which had the financial means to develop idle land would be allowed to undertake modern farming.
“This is to ensure our food security,” he told reporters after attending a dialogue on Budget 2023 with state government officials and other stakeholders here.
Malaysia imports nearly 60% of its food needs. Its dependence on imports totals over RM50bil yearly.
In 2017, Malaysia ranked 40th on the Global Security Food Index (GSFI) as it relies heavily on imports for essential food products.
Now, Malaysia is in 41st position on the GSFI.
Separately, Ahmad said the government was also constantly looking at ways to increase income and reduce leakage.
“I was informed that we lose some RM5bil to cigarette smuggling activities and if we are able to check this through better enforcement, we may be able to get between RM3bil and RM4bil more income annually.
“So, these are also issues that we need to address to up the country’s income,” he added.
Citing another example, he said the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) has also adopted a friendlier approach to encourage more taxpayers to come forward to pay their dues.
“Last year, LHDN managed to collect higher taxes because of this.
“Rather than going after or simply penalising, LHDN assists eligible taxpayers to pay their dues and this has also helped increase collection,” he said.
Through this approach, LHDN also hopes to increase the number of taxpayers. At present there are some three million individuals and 400,000 companies which pay tax.
Asked on the issues raised during the dialogue with state government officials earlier, Ahmad said these included allocations for maintenance of buildings, dams, federal roads, government housing for second generation Felda settlers and affordable housing.
The state officials, he said, had also raised concerns over the electricity tariff for industries and ways to secure quality investments.
“They had also touched on the need for a highway linking Seremban, Kuala Pilah and Jempol.
“We have taken note of these to be considered for Budget 2023 due to be tabled in Parliament on Feb 24,” he said.
Ahmad said the ministry welcomed suggestions from the public and these can be forwarded to www.mof.gov.my by Feb 10.
