PUTRAJAYA, Oct 9 — The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS) will merge seven of its enforcement agencies to enhance regulation in the agrofood sector.
The agencies are Kawalselia Padi dan Beras, Quarantine and Inspection Services Department, Agriculture Department, Veterinary Services Department, Fisheries Department, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority, and Fisheries Development Authority.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the reform proposal will be presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on November 1.
“The reforms undertaken by the ministry are not driven by any political agenda. Instead, they focus on the betterment and future of the industry,” he told reporters after the ministry’s monthly assembly here today.
Also present were Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup and ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak.
Mohamad said merging these agencies will involve 2,030 enforcement officers and 14 acts, which will effectively address leakages and smuggling.
He also said administrative reforms will soon be implemented in the Farmers’ Organisation Authority and the National Farmers’ Organisation.
“I am pleased to announce that through these initiatives, MAFS is the first ministry to respond to the Prime Minister’s call to implement public service reforms via the consolidation of enforcement agencies,” he said.
— Bernama
