Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, presenting the budget in the Dewan Rakyat today, said phase one of the scheme will cover nearly 11,000 hectares in the Muda Agricultural Development Authority area.

He added that the initiative aims to boost rice yields by 15%. He said rice management efforts in Sekinchan, Sabak Bernam, Selangor, had demonstrated the potential to produce up to 12 tonnes of rice per hectare.

“The government will start a pilot project to obtain fertilisers, including organic fertilisers, according to the rice cultivation area, through an open tender,” he said.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said RM2.78 billion has been allocated for subsidies, assistance, and incentives.

A total of RM300 million was also allocated to the agriculture and food security ministry for collaborations with state governments next year to support initiatives such as onion cultivation in Perak, red tilapia farming in Pahang, and efforts to boost rice yields in Negeri Sembilan.

Nearly 3,561 hectares of idle land would be used for agricultural projects, including organic chicken and cattle farming.