State govts advised against using agriculture land for commercial purposes
TASEK GELUGOR: State governments were yesterday advised against converting existing agriculture land into other status, or purposes, including commercial.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said it was important to maintain the agriculture status of land for the country’s future.
“In terms of return, agriculture land does not provide much, but in the context of the country’s future, like food, the agriculture status should not be changed.
“Agriculture land is not only for padi farming, but also ther crops needed by the country,” he told reporters after opening the ‘Gelombang Tani Nasional (GTN) 2017 # JOMPIBENDANG’ here yesterday.
He said based on records, Penang was among states intending to convert its agriculture land to development for commercial purpose.
At the event, Ahmad Shabery also handed over grants and loans, totalling more than RM11 million for the implementation of 11 agriculture projects in the state. — Bernama