CHAIRPERSONS:

YBHG DATIN PADUKA SETIA DATO’ DR AINI IDERIS

YBHG PROF DATO’  DR AILEEN TAN SHAU HWAI

Current estimates predict that we will require ~70% more food than is currently produced and as incomes rise, individuals are moving toward more energy dense diets that often include more protein. Dietary proteins are important nutrients and are classified into animal proteins (meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy), and plant proteins. There is also an increasing demand on aquatic foods.
The livestock industry worldwide comprises ruminants and non-ruminants. The ruminant sector which consists of beef and dairy cattle, dairy buffaloes, sheep, and goats are still raised in small-scale in many Asian countries. Malaysia for example, produces only 29 per cent of its ruminant needs, with imports making up the rest. However, the ruminant sub-sector is vital in the agriculture sector as one of the protein sources besides poultry and fish. Food security has become a crucial issue in meat production.
The tremendous growth of the poultry sector in Malaysia, on the other hand, has been largely propelled by the private sector. It has evolved into a progressive, organized and developed industry with an annual production of eggs and meat valued between MYR1.78 billion to MYR6.03 billion annually.
Aquatic food play an important role in global food provision, accounting for about 20 percent of animal protein and 6.7 percent of all protein consumed by humans globally.
The topics related to the importance of diversified dietary protein sources for food security will be covered by eminent speakers in this session and would provide a glimpse of the exciting future using innovative technologies.

CHAIRPERSON:
ASSOC PROF DR MAH SIAU HUI

Complex Carbohydrates are essential for human body as the main source of energy and comprise sugars, starches, and dietary fiber that are commonly found in plant foods and dairy products. The recommended intake of carbohydrates per day is 45-65% based on the total calories, depending on the body size, daily activity level and blood sugar control. Our body breaks down the carbohydrates into glucose, which is the primary energy source for the brain and muscles. Foods with high amount of carbohydrates include bread, beans, cereals, potatoes, rice, and sago.
Different types of carbohydrates, monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides are formed from the combination of polymers. Monosaccharides are single unit sugar with the examples of glucose, galactose (milk and dairy products), and fructose (vegetable and fruits) while disaccharides are made up of two sugar molecules such as lactose (milk) and sucrose (table sugar). Polysaccharides comprise more sugars and may consist of hundreds or thousands of monosaccharides. Polysaccharides act as food stores for plants and animals and the examples include glycogen (stored energy in liver and muscles), starches (wheat, potatoes, and rice) and cellulose (structural components of plants).

CHAIRPERSON:
MR HENRY FU HWA MENG

Fruits and Vegetables are essential components for a healthy diet. According to the latest data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the world produced 1,837 million tons of fruits and vegetables in 2019, i.e. 0.8% more than in the previous year but slightly less than two years before, which shows that production has stabilized.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security, Malaysia, has formulated the National AgroFood Policy 2021-2030 (NAP 2.0) since last year with the overall Policy Statement :-
“A sustainable, resilient and technology-driven agrofood sector that prioritizes food security and nutrition while driving economic growth and enhancing the wellbeing of the people”.
A total of 5 Key Policy Thrusts and 4 Key Subsectors which are considered to be the pre-requisites to food security has been identified to support the overall policy framework and agrofood sector development for the 10-year period from 2021 – 2030.
One of the 4 Key Sub-sectors identified was the Fruits & Vegetables Subsector. The fruits and vegetables strategies in NAP 2.0 will focus on:
• Boosting production volume
• Improving Self-sufficiency levels
• Higher export value
• Enhance efficiency of land use, and
• Improving the livelihood and income levels of the fruits and vegetables producers for the next 10 years.

With the adoption and implementation of the above Agrofood modernization approach, it will augur well and will be partly instrumental for safeguarding the future of National Food Security in Malaysia.