The government’s recent decision to impose a tax on imported fruits to support local farmers is, in principle, a positive initiative. It demonstrates a commitment to strengthening the domestic agricultural sector and encouraging the consumption of locally grown produce.

However, this raises an important question: are our local farmers producing enough, in terms of both quantity and variety, to meet national demand?

To truly achieve food security and provide Malaysians with food that meets these needs, the government should also focus on innovation, particularly in developing market-oriented crops.

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Malaysia has often missed the boat when it comes to adopting emerging technologies in agriculture. But today, we have a valuable opportunity to lead in this space.

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By embracing gene editing, Malaysia can not only strengthen its fruit industry but also demonstrate its commitment to realising the ambitions set out in this national policy.

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