In an alarming development for the agricultural sector, Malaysia is bracing for a significant downturn in vegetable production, anticipated to plummet by 40% in the coming month. The root cause of this steep decline is attributed to the acute shortage of foreign labor, a critical component in the nation's farming operations. The Federation of Malaysian Vegetable Farmers Associations has sounded the alarm, highlighting the dire consequences of labor deficits on crop yields.
According to the federation's president, Tan So Tiok, the situation is very bad now. This statement underscores the gravity of the predicament facing the agricultural sector, particularly vegetable farming, which heavily relies on foreign workers for various cultivation tasks. The impending drop in vegetable output not only threatens the livelihood of farmers but also poses significant challenges to food security and price stability within the country.
Efforts to mitigate the impact of this labor crisis include calls to the government for immediate intervention. The agricultural community urges the implementation of measures to facilitate the entry and employment of foreign laborers, thereby averting a full-blown food production crisis. As the situation develops, stakeholders within the agricultural sector remain on high alert, closely monitoring the unfolding events and their potential repercussions on Malaysia's food supply chain.
Source: nst.com.my