SHAH ALAM: Former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin has again called on youths to venture into the agriculture sector that has the potential to create employment.
It would also help the country reduce its dependency on agriculture imports, he said. Malaysia’s import of agriculture was valued at RM50 bil in 2018 and this could potentially be lowered should there be more activities in the domestic market.
“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 (to the economy),” he said.
Daim, who is also economic adviser to the government, said this to reporters at the soft launch of MyKampung Japan here today.
Commenting on the economic outlook for 2020, he said it was vital for Malaysia, and any other country, to be fully prepared in view of the ongoing external headwinds that might jeopardise the country’s economic growth.
“We have problems all over the world … 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 the future of our children.” – Jan 10, 2020 Bernama
