21/06/2026

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday JUNE 21, 2026

National Food Security Bill to be tabled next year Talks over implementation of proposed legislation underway: Minister Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Second parliament meeting begins tomorrow KUALA LUMPUR: The Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament will begin tomorrow, with several key Bills set to take centre stage, including the re-tabling of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, which seeks to limit the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years. The meeting, which runs until July 16, is also scheduled to include the re-tabling of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill (No. 2) 2026, which proposes to separate the roles of the attorney general and the public prosecutor. Both Bills were previously tabled during the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament. However, the Bill on the prime minister’s term limit did not secure a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat, while the Bill seeking to separate the roles of the attorney general and the public prosecutor has been referred to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee for further scrutiny. Attention is also expected to turn to the Cybercrime Bill 2026 as well as the Road Transport Act 1987 (Amendment) Bill, which is scheduled to be tabled on the first day of the meeting and debated the following day. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the proposed amendments, covering 11 areas and 42 clauses, are aimed at addressing illegal racing activities, which continue to pose a serious threat to road user safety. “The amendments also include tougher measures to curb the activities of “tonto” syndicates, as well as efforts to strengthen enforcement mechanisms to enhance road safety and ensure more effective compliance with the law.” The 16-day meeting is also expected to focus on discussions on various issues, particularly the impact of the global energy supply crisis on Malaysia following the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has affected international energy supply chains. Meanwhile, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has reminded all MPs to discharge their responsibilities as public representatives and to conduct proceedings through orderly and mature debate in accordance with the Standing Orders, despite the current political dynamics. He added that both government and opposition MPs must carry out their respective roles by focusing on issues of public and national interest, while ensuring high-quality debates to strengthen democracy and contribute to better policy formulation. “The Dewan Rakyat is the highest legislative institution in the country. Every debate should be based on facts, data and constructive proposals, and not influenced by sentiment or polemics that do not lead to solutions. “The people expect their elected representatives to address issues of cost of living, education, health, the economy, job opportunities and community wellbeing in a serious and responsible manner.” Commenting on the Johor state election, which is being held concurrently with the Dewan Rakyat session, Johari reminded MPs to give full commitment to parliamentary attendance and not to misuse the House for political purposes. – Bernama

shrimp exports to Malaysia.” Isham said while Malaysia has received a response from Thai authorities, the information must first be validated and audited to ensure it meets the country’s biosecurity standards before any further decisions are made. “We have received the feedback. What we need to do now is validate and audit the information received to ensure it fulfils all biosecurity-related requirements.” On May 16, Malaysia tightened import controls on Thai fisheries products by enforcing a Certificate of Analysis requirement for sea bass imports and imposing a temporary suspension, effective June 1, on imports of five shrimp species: penaeus esculentes , fenneropenaeus merguiensis , penaeus vannamei, penaeus monodon and penaeus stylirostris .

Bill would be chaired by the deputy prime minister next year. Separately, Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak said Malaysia has received feedback from Thailand on the ongoing shrimp export issue, with authorities now carrying out validation and audit processes to ensure the information meets local biosecurity requirements. He also said discussions on the matter are continuing at the diplomatic level, following engagement between the leaderships of both countries. “Since the issue has reached the level of discussions involving the prime ministers of both countries, we are working to find the best possible solution. Our priority is to protect Malaysia’s interests, while Thailand is also reviewing matters related to fish and

KLANG: The Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-Tourism Show (Maha) 2026 will proceed as planned despite the government’s expenditure rationalisation measures, with organisers implementing cost-saving initiatives to keep the event’s impact intact. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the scale and vibrancy of Maha 2026 would not be compromised despite a tighter budget. “Maha will continue this year although the government is undertaking expenditure rationalisation. “We have also implemented savings measures in organising the event. Alhamdulillah , its scale is no less impressive than in previous years. In fact, from what I have seen today, it is even more lively,” he told reporters after launching the Road to Maha 2026 Central Zone programme yesterday. Mohamad said international participation at this year’s event is set to grow, with countries including China, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Hungary and Uzbekistan confirming their involvement for the first time on such a scale, adding that it was a reflection of how interconnected global food security has become. “This is one of the first times we are seeing such extensive international participation because food security is an issue that no country could solve alone. When disasters occur in one country, assistance often comes from others.” He added that one of Maha 2026’s key focuses is sustainability, particularly encouraging agricultural entrepreneurs to build viable long-term businesses rather than depend solely on government support. He also said the exhibition would expose local participants to modern agricultural technologies from around the world while encouraging greater youth involvement in the sector. “Many young individuals are already entering agriculture, but through Maha we want to encourage even more involvement. We want them to see the technologies and innovations being developed by other countries and adopt modern agricultural practices.” “We have revised it and discussions are still ongoing. We expect the Bill to be tabled in Parliament next year,” he told reporters after launching the Road to Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-Tourism Show 2026 Central Zone programme yesterday. He added that further discussions on the KLANG: The National Food Security Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament next year, following revisions and continued discussions within the government, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He said the proposed legislation has been updated, with talks still underway on its implementation framework.

Agriculture event to proceed despite cost-saving measures

Mohamad (second from right) pets a bull being showcased at the Road To Maha 2026 Central Zone event at Kompleks Sukan Pandamaran in Klang yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

chain disruptions. “Food security is not an issue that will ever be permanently resolved. “Throughout history, every generation has faced its own food-related challenges. What matters is how we respond to them.” He said the programme drew strong public interest, with about 20,000 visitors attending the Central Zone event alongside roughly 80 agro-food entrepreneurs. Mohamad also launched the Surveillance and Intervention on Supply and Demand of Agro-Food Systems portal, designed to provide real-time data on agricultural supply, demand and prices to support farmers, traders and consumers. He said the platform would help the government respond more swiftly to supply shortages and maintain price stability, and encouraged Malaysians to grow food crops at home to ease household expenses and support national food security. – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

Mohamad also pointed to the rising popularity of agrotourism, citing attractions such as coffee spots in padi fields, durian orchards and aquaculture farms, adding that Maha would help drive the emerging segment of the industry forward. He said international participants would bring added value by introducing technologies, services and innovations not yet widely available in Malaysia, with business matching sessions planned to facilitate trade and partnerships between local and foreign exhibitors. “Foreign participants will have opportunities to buy and sell their products, while Malaysian participants could also explore overseas markets and establish new business connections.” Touching on broader food security concerns, Mohamad said the issue remains one of the country’s most pressing long-term challenges, shaped by climate change, geopolitical tensions and supply