The Ministry of Agriculture announced that Malaysia has successfully reached an 80% self-sufficiency level in rice production, a record high. This was achieved through the introduction of high-yield "Smart-Padi" variants and the modernization of irrigation systems in Kedah and Perlis. The achievement significantly reduces the country's reliance on imported grains.

Farmers have been encouraged to adopt "precision agriculture," using drones for fertilization and automated sensors to monitor soil moisture. These technologies have not only increased yields but also reduced the cost of production and water usage. The government provides subsidies for these new technologies to ensure they are accessible to small-scale farmers.

While 80% is a major milestone, the ultimate goal is 100% self-sufficiency by 2030. To achieve this, the ministry is looking into developing new paddy fields in Sabah and Sarawak. This focus on food security is seen as vital in an era of global supply chain disruptions and fluctuating commodity prices.