Article Summary
Biotechnology is playing an increasingly vital role in strengthening Malaysia’s food security by addressing challenges posed by climate change, disease and rising food demand. A UPM expert highlighted innovations in agriculture, animal health and food production, while emphasising collaboration and technological advancement to build a resilient, sustainable and secure agri-food system.

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By: Zarith Sofea Ibrahim

 

SERDANG, 29 June – Biotechnology is poised to become a critical pillar of Malaysia’s food security as the agri-food sector faces mounting challenges from climate change, emerging diseases and rising global food demand, according to a Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) expert.

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mariatulqabtiah Abdul Razak, Deputy Dean of Industry and Community Relations at UPM’s Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (FBSB), said biotechnology-driven innovations are increasingly essential to ensuring a stable, safe and sustainable food supply.

 

“If we want to keep the nation’s food supply stable amid increasingly unpredictable weather, biotechnology is no longer an option—it is a necessity,” she said.

 

She noted that prolonged droughts, floods and the growing threat of crop and livestock diseases are placing unprecedented pressure on agricultural production, making innovative scientific solutions more important than ever.

 

Drawing on a deeper understanding of how plants, animals and microorganisms respond to disease, environmental stress and climate change, researchers are developing technologies that enhance food production while strengthening resilience across the agricultural value chain.

 

“Food security extends far beyond crops and livestock. It also involves animal health, soil fertility, livestock nutrition and technologies that improve productivity across the entire food system,” she said.

 

Among the innovations being developed are animal vaccines, rapid disease detection technologies, tissue culture techniques, beneficial microorganisms and specialised enzymes designed to improve efficiency in agriculture and food production.

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mariatulqabtiah said UPM researchers are collaborating closely with research institutions and industry partners to accelerate the development and commercialisation of biotechnology solutions that support Malaysia’s long-term food security agenda.

 

She stressed that climate change is making conventional farming practices increasingly insufficient.

 

“Extreme weather directly affects crop yields and livestock production while increasing the risk of disease outbreaks that can disrupt food supplies.

 

“Biotechnology enables the development of crop varieties that are more resistant to drought, environmental stress and diseases, while advanced vaccines and disease-control technologies help maintain livestock productivity despite changing environmental conditions,” she said.

 

The ultimate goal, she added, is to ensure Malaysians continue to have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food despite global uncertainties.

 

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mariatulqabtiah also emphasised that strengthening national food security requires strong collaboration among universities, industry, government and local communities.

 

“Universities generate knowledge, technology and talent, while industry plays a vital role in translating research into commercial solutions that benefit society.

 

“We need an ecosystem that connects research, innovation and implementation. When all stakeholders work together, biotechnology can deliver practical solutions with real impact for the nation,” she said.

 

She added that the rapid technological transformation of the agri-food sector is creating new career opportunities for young Malaysians, with growing demand for expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), drones, robotics, biosensors, genomics and data analytics.

 

“The agri-food industry has evolved far beyond traditional farming. It is now a technology-driven sector offering high-value careers with significant potential to contribute to national development.

 

“Young people have tremendous opportunities to drive innovation that strengthens food security and improves the well-being of society,” she said.

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mariatulqabtiah also called for greater public understanding and acceptance of biotechnology, highlighting its vital role in building a more resilient and sustainable food system.

 

“Our priority is to ensure that the food on Malaysians’ tables is not only sufficient, but also safe, high-quality and nutritious for future generations.

 

“Biotechnology has enormous potential to help the country achieve that goal and will remain one of the key drivers of a sustainable and resilient food system,” she said.

Date of Input: 29/06/2026 | Updated: 13/07/2026 | zarithsofea