By Jheruleene Anne Ramos
Authorities and experts have expressed growing concern over the ageing population of Malaysian farmers, warning that a lack of youth involvement threatens the future of the country’s agricultural sector and food security.
According to the 2024 Agriculture Census, 45.4% of Malaysia’s 1,008,829 individual farmers are aged 60 and above, 32.3% are between 46 and 59, and only 22.2% are aged 15 to 45, highlighting the sector’s growing reliance on an ageing workforce, Free Malaysia Today reported.
Among federal states, Sarawak topped the list when it comes to farmers aged 60 and above with 63,452, followed by Kedah (61,886) and Sabah (57,007).
In contrast, Sabah recorded the highest number of young farmers aged 15 to 30 with 6,180, followed by Perak (5,149) and Sarawak (3,583).
Malaysian food security at stake
Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof has warned that the country’s agricultural sector and food security are at risk if the industry continues to lack participation from younger generations.
Fadillah, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on Food Security, added that the dominance of senior citizens amongst farmers could hinder productivity and limit Malaysia’s capacity to boost domestic food production.
“Without a skilled and competitive younger generation, our goal of reducing import dependence and ensuring national food security will be difficult to achieve,” the deputy warned.
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Calls to change youth perceptions
To address this concern, agriculture experts are urging the government and relevant authorities to improve how farming is perceived by young Malaysians.
Christopher Teh, head of Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) Land Management Department, attributed low youth involvement to the widespread belief that farming offers fewer financial and professional opportunities compared to white-collar careers.
“Farmers are still tied to the image of rural poverty and challenging physical work, which doesn’t line up with the aspirations of the younger generation, who are more attracted to high-technology careers with social prestige,” Teh explained.
Sabah-based agro-entrepreneur Shahrizal Denci echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to shift the public view of farmers.
“We cannot keep treating farmers like labourers. Farmers must be recognised as entrepreneurs and professionals,” he said.
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Improving agriculture-related initiatives and policies
Beyond changing perceptions, Professor Abd Shukor Juraimi from UPM’s Tropical Agriculture and Food Security Institute emphasised the need for policies that promote food crop cultivation and sustainable practices.
She also called for greater investment in technology that optimises water, fertiliser, and pesticide use while safeguarding the environment, The Star reported.
Professor Datin Paduka Fatimah Mohamed Arshad, another food security expert from UPM, urged government support for agriculture-focused start-ups, citing India’s rise as a top rice exporter through tech-driven innovations.
Fatimah pointed to apps that help farmers manage risks from climate-related disasters by predicting weather and providing data-driven decisions.
Experts believe that with the right policies, innovation, and youth engagement, Malaysia’s agricultural sector can remain resilient and ensure long-term food security, even in the face of an ageing workforce.
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Shameeka Voyiya 
Newsjustnews writers 
Ren Azrack Escosio