16/05/2025

FRIDAY | MAY 16, 2025

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Generational gap widening in agriculture sector o Perceptions as being low-income, labour-intensive and lack of status continue to deter youth participation: Ministry

Haj pilgrims get new navigation platform MECCA: The Pilgrims’ Fund Board (Tabung Haji or TH), through the Research and Development Division of the Haj Department, has introduced a new navigation platform, called GoogleWalk to assist Malaysian pilgrims in identifying routes back to their accommodation in the Holy Land. TH Maktab Operations director Mohd Fahmi Kamarudin said the platform, which is based on Google Maps, was developed specifically for the use of pilgrims staying at seven Haj Pilgrims Accommodation Buildings in Mecca. “This year, the TH Maktab Operations management has introduced a new platform to help pilgrims identify the route to their respective accommodation buildings. “This platform has been shared with pilgrims via WhatsApp groups and can also be used to get local taxi or bus services to facilitate the pilgrims’ journey back to their accommodation,“ he said. Mohd Fahmi said this platform is an improvement from the previous use of live location via WhatsApp and was developed based on in-depth research over the past few years. “We find this platform easier and more user-friendly, besides not using a lot of internet data. It can also help lost pilgrims, especially after completing the umrah in the Mas’a area between Safa and Marwah,” he added. Mohd Fahmi said although the platform does not feature a tracker, pilgrims can still share their current location, allowing TH staff to assist in locating them and providing directions, Bernama reported. The platform is being used for the first time this haj season through integration with the haj staff’s e-book, which was also expanded for use by pilgrims. Pilgrim Sudiman Ahmad Tinggal, who is staying at Abraj Al-Tayseer, described the navigation platform as a significant improvement by TH, especially in facilitating the movement of pilgrims throughout their stay in the Holy Land. Sarawak approves 46 building projects SARIKEI: The Sarawak government has approved 46 new administrative building projects throughout the state under the 12th Malaysia Plan , involving a cost of RM1.2 billion. State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said of this amount, five are construction projects of the Integrated Government Administration Centres (IAC) at the divisional level. So far, a total of 16 projects have been completed in various districts and sub-districts, including the Sarikei IAC, and the Serian IAC. “A total of seven projects are in various stages of implementation, and these include the Bintulu IAC, Limbang IAC and Lawas IAC. Meanwhile, another 23 projects are still in the planning stage,” he said in a speech at the opening ceremony of the Sarikei IAC building on Wednesday. The new 12-story building, costing RM147.25 million, now houses about 500 civil servants from various government departments and agencies. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the opening ceremony. Abang Johari also announced plans for the construction of new quarters for civil servants, designed as modern apartments, involving an allocation of RM3.55 billion to build 3,672 units in 67 locations throughout the state. “This development is a form of recognition and appreciation from the Sarawak government to civil servants as the backbone in the implementation of the state’s development agenda.” – Bernama

he said. A similar sentiment is echoed by Farah Hidayah Chu Ahmad, 39, who received the programme assistance in 2020 for her sambal -based food processing business in Selangor. “While the RM20,000 grant I received at the time was essential in scaling up my production, attracting youths to my operations has been difficult. “Raw material costs are high and production margins are tight. “We can’t offer RM3,000 salaries to new workers when the business itself is unpredictable.” In response to the manpower gap, the government has increased its allocation for the programme to RM25 million in 2025, up from RM20 million the year before. The start-up grant, which offers non-repayable in-kind support, was revised to provide up to RM30,000 per participant. A new scale-up initiative was also introduced, providing up to RM50,000 to help existing youth agropreneurs expand their agribusiness ventures.

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

among participants stands at RM17.5 million. theSun was able to reach out to two of the programme participants over the last few years. One such voice on the ground is Mohd Hafiz Nordin, 41, who runs an aquaculture business in Bestari Jaya, Selangor, under ARC Berkat Agrofood Sdn Bhd. He has been in the industry for 19 years, long before the programme was formalised. “I got involved in agropreneurship before the programme was even officially launched,” Hafiz said. Hafiz received RM30,000 in initial support, which he used to expand his tank-based fish farming operations. However, he stressed that money alone is not enough. “Grants help, but if you give youth money with no structured mentoring, they’ll follow theory. When theory fails, so does the business,”

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is grappling with a widening generational gap in its agriculture sector, despite increased government funding and push toward modernisation. According to a Bernama report, Khazanah Research Institute stated that only 15% of the country’s agriculture workforce is under the age of 40, while the average age of padi farmers now stands at 60. This figure raises red flags over long-term food security. In a written response to theSun , The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry acknowledged that perceptions of agriculture as “low-income, labour-intensive and lacking status” continue to deter youth participation. The ministry cited that the combination of financial barriers, land access issues and limited exposure to modern techniques as core challenges. “Agriculture is frequently associated with traditional, physically demanding labour and low financial returns. “As a result, many youths consider agriculture unattractive compared to urban based careers in technology, services or finance, despite the increasing potential of modern agribusiness and agrotechnology,” the ministry said. It stated that even if youths manage to start agricultural businesses, they face difficulties in accessing stable markets, value chains and reliable post-harvest infrastructure, such as cold storage and logistics. “Without efficient supply chain networks or market linkages, many young agropreneurs struggle to achieve profitability or scale-up. This creates a discouraging cycle of low returns and limited growth prospects,” the ministry said. Despite the challenges, government initiatives, such as the Young Agropreneur Programme, receive moderate participations. Since 2021, 3,242 youths have participated in the programme, receiving a combined of RM67 million in support, including startup grants and access to business advisory services. The average combined monthly revenue Tourism Malaysia Northern Region director Abdul Hadi Che Man said while Langkawi Island is already renowned for its natural beauty, the adventures available on the mainland offer equally memorable and unique experiences for tourists. “In conjunction with Visit Kedah Year 2025, we have invited nine representatives from mainstream media and content creators from outside the state to personally experience the diverse attractions and activities available on Kedah’s mainland,” he said. He added that a variety of ecotourism activities are on offer, including water rafting along Sungai Sedim in Kulim, hot spring bathing at the Ulu Legong Hot Spring Recreation Centre in Baling, and tranquil beach escapes on Songsong Island in Yan.

The ministry said without efficient supply chain networks or market linkages, many young agropreneurs struggle to achieve profitability or scale-up, – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Kedah tourism products potential Gen Z draw ALOR SETAR: Tourism products in mainland Kedah are seen as having strong potential to attract Generation Z, particularly those with a passion for ecotourism activities. “We’re confident that the activities, natural beauty and distinctive attractions of each tourism product will meet the preferences and expectations of Generation Z,” he said on Wednesday night. Earlier, Abdul Hadi attended the closing of the Kedah Trip Surreal Experience

he said. Meanwhile, Siti Khadijah Md Khalid, 28, who is a content creator for “Setokentangan”, said this was her first time in Kedah and she never thought that the state could offer such interesting tourism experiences, products and activities. “Usually, when people mention Kedah, we only think of Langkawi and padi. Generation Z, like me, are really interested in rugged and challenging activities, and there are many interesting tourism products that Kedah can offer, but they need to be promoted to outsiders,” she said. Content creator for “LOCCO Malaysia”, N. Saraventhiran, 22, said the tourism offerings in mainland Kedah have great potential. “However, it still needs to be enhanced by improving several aspects, including introducing more activities that would engage tourists with the local community,” he said. – Bernama

Familiarisation Programme by State Tourism, Culture and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin at Menara Alor Setar. Abdul Hadi said the five-day programme, which began on May 11, aimed to promote the state’s tourism products in conjunction with Visit Kedah Year and as preparation for the 2026 Visit Malaysia Year. “In conjunction with the 2026 Visit Malaysia Year, we have made early preparations by ensuring that tourism products in Kedah are available, with most attractions in districts such as Baling, Sik and Yan are ready for domestic and international tourists,“