FORMER Finance Minister Daim Zainuddin again called on the younger generation to venture into the agriculture sector.

He said this would help the country reduce its dependence on agricultural imports.

Malaysia’s import of agriculture was valued at RM50 billion in 2018, but this could be lowered should there be more activities in the domestic market, he said.

“First, our locals can get fresh (goods) at a lower price; that is important and if there is excess (from local consumption), we can export, which is also important (for the economy),” he said at the soft launch of the MyKampung Japan programme in Shah Alam today. 

On 2020’s economic outlook, he said it was vital for Malaysia, as will any other country, to be fully prepared in view of external headwinds that might jeopardise economic growth. 

“We have problems all over the world… with the Middle East, Hong Kong, North Korea and the South China Sea,” he said, adding that the geopolitical situation would indirectly affect Malaysia.

“So, we need to be prepared to handle that (by making) sure we have everything that we need to ensure our children’s future.” – Bernama, January 10, 2020.