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 further, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The Prime Minister said the 5G technology would be the main support component in the modern agriculture sector within the Iskandar Malaysia area.
The development will be expedited to tackle food supply issues.
“This effort aligns with the government’s food security agenda through various allocations to be channelled under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
“The modern agriculture initiatives in Iskandar Malaysia will place Irda as the agrifood hub of Malaysia,” he said after chairing the 30th Irda meeting yesterday.
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 Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohamad Zuki Ali.
Ismail Sabri said Irda was also in the midst of drafting the Iskandar Malaysia Comprehensive Develop-ment Plan 2022-2030, which would turn the region into one of the core areas to generate the economy.
“The plan emphasises how we can ensure the country practises sustainable development and the economy remains resilient in facing shocks and pressures,” he said.
Since its inception, Irda has recorded RM367.8bil in investments, of which 60%, or RM219bil, has been realised.
Of the total investments, RM148.1bil are foreign investments.
As at June, Iskandar Malaysia has recorded RM13.2bil in committed investments, of which RM5.9bil has been realised.