April 23, 2026

 

Livestock main driver to Penang, Malaysia agriculture sector's income

 

The agriculture sector of Penang, Malaysia, generated RM4.01 billion (US$0.85 billion) in income in 2023, with livestock as the main driver, according to the Agriculture Census 2024 report.

 

This is according to the Agriculture Census 2024 report released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia.

 

The livestock subsector contributed RM1.90 billion (US$0.40 billion) or 47.3% of total income, nearly double crops at RM951.58 million (US$0.20 billion) or 23.7%.

 

Aquaculture and captured fisheries followed with RM636.12 million (US$0.13 billion) (15.9%) and RM525.24 million (US$0.11 billion) (13.1%), respectively.

 

Livestock also led sales value at RM1.55 billion (US$0.33 billion), reflecting a shift towards more capital-intensive and commercial agricultural activity.

 

Of the 13,713 agricultural holdings recorded, 91.6% were individual operators. However, establishments generated RM2.76 billion (US$0.59 billion), or 68.8% of total income.

 

The livestock subsector was almost entirely establishment-driven, accounting for 98.8% of its income.

 

Aquaculture showed a similar trend at 91.5%.

 

In contrast, captured fisheries remained largely small-scale, with individuals contributing 99.6% of income, while crops were also dominated by individual operators (68.2%).

 

Seberang Prai Selatan led all districts with RM1.86 billion (US$0.39 billion) in agricultural income, followed by Seberang Prai Tengah (RM752.81 million (US$0.16 billion)) and southwest (RM612.16 million (US$0.13 billion)).

 

The same districts recorded the highest expenditure at RM1.07 billion (US$0.23 billion), reflecting large-scale operations, particularly in livestock.

 

Southwest district posted the highest mean annual wages at RM31,220 (US$6,630), above the state average of RM23,691 (US$5,030).

 

Total agricultural expenditure stood at RM2.09 billion (US$0.44 billion), with livestock accounting for RM1.26 billion (US$0.27 billion) or 60.3 %.

 

The report reflects Penang's evolving agricultural landscape, with livestock leading income growth while paddy farming remains central to jobs and land use.

 

- New Straits Times