KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities face difficulties taking action against landowners who rent out their padi fields to foreign workers, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
He explained that such rental arrangements are often not officially documented, and in addition, land matters generally fall under the jurisdiction of state governments.
"Regarding the influx of foreign workers, the ministry does not deny that some landowners hire foreigners to carry out tasks such as sowing, fertilising, spraying, harvesting, nursery work and cultivating cash crops on padi fields.
"This situation requires careful governance and cross-ministry cooperation to address effectively," he told the Dewan Rakyat during Minister's Question Time on Tuesday (Nov 25).
Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (PN-Tanjong Karang) wanted to know about the ministry’s efforts to manage foreign workers who rent and operate fields for cash crops in several areas, particularly in his constituency.
Mohamad said padi yields in Selangor fell 8.56% last year, averaging 4.185 metric tonnes per hectare compared with 4.577 tonnes in 2023.
He added that the decline was caused by several factors. Pest and disease attacks affected crops during the off-season, with stem borers and brown planthoppers causing significant damage.
"Extreme weather, including droughts, storms and floods, also disrupted production.
"Floods damaged crops and reduced harvests, while strong winds toppled rice plants near harvest, hampering harvesting and lowering yields.
"Damaged leaves and stems further limited photosynthesis and grain formation," he said.
Ageing irrigation systems and heavy reliance on Sungai Bernam as the main water source added to the challenges of sustaining production.
To counter the decline, Mohamad said the ministry has stepped up field extension activities to ensure farmers have access to the latest technology, information, and best practices.
Guidance on managing pests, diseases, and climate risks, as well as promoting sustainable farming and efficient field management, has also been provided.
