Malaysia: Malaysia Agriculture Profile

Near-record 2014 rice production estimated

Harvesting of the 2014 paddy crop was completed in mid‑May. FAO’s latest estimate puts the 2014 aggregate paddy production at 2.6 million tonnes, close to last year’s above‑average level. The good output in production reflects generally favourable weather conditions and continued Government support to the rice sector, including subsidies on agricultural inputs and machinery as incentives to raise yields.

Planting of the 2015 paddy crop is completed in Sabah state and Peninsular Malaysia, while it is expected to continue until the end of November in Sarawak state. Rainfall levels have been generally normal to near-normal between June and mid-October over the producing areas in Sabah state and Peninsular Malaysia, benefitting planting activities and early crop development. Below-average rains in early September in the main northern producing areas of Peninsular Malaysia, including Kedah state, accounting for some 30 percent of the total area planted to rice, may have delayed plating operations somewhat.

Cereal imports to increase in 2014/15

Total cereal imports in the 2014/15 marketing year (July/June) are preliminarily forecast at 6.1 million tonnes, almost 2 percent higher than last year’s high level. This mainly reflects an anticipated 12 percent recovery in rice imports compared to the 2013/14 below-average level, which are now forecast to reach 1 million tonnes, reflecting strong consumption demand and efforts to restore stocks. By contrast, maize and wheat imports are anticipated to remain generally stable at 3.8 and 1.4 million tonnes, respectively.

Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose slightly in September compared with a year ago

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in September 2014 was officially estimated at 2.6 percent above its level from a year ago and 0.2 percent higher than in August 2014. The food and non-alcoholic beverages component of the CPI increased by 3.2 percent year-on-year but remained unchanged from the previous month.