The govt collaborates with research universities to develop local expertise and technologies 

by VEISHNAWI NEHRU 

AGRICULTURE, a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economy and food security, is undergoing a digital revolution to pave the way for enhanced productivity, precision and sustainability. 

Amid Malaysia’s expected economic growth of 4.9% in 2024, according to the World Bank’s forecast, advancing agricultural technologies like robotics presents a dual opportunity in addressing labour shortages and driving efficiency in a sector vital to the nation’s resilience and self-sufficiency. 

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said agricultural robots are becoming a transformative solution in Malaysia, reshaping traditional farming practices by autonomously performing repetitive and precision-based tasks. 

“These advancements reduce labour costs, enhance productivity and improve crop yields. For instance, robots are being developed locally for pest and weed monitoring, pesticide spraying and aquaculture tasks like pond monitoring and harvesting. 

“Specific examples include robotic aquarium cleaners at the Fisheries Research Institute in Batu Maung, Penang, and robotic sensors at the Tapah Aquaculture Extension Centre in Tapah, Perak,” he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR). 

Addressing the financial implications of adopting robotic technology, he explained the potential for significant cost savings. 

“Robots can replace human labour in tasks such as weeding and chemical spraying, reducing labour expenses. Equipped with cameras and sensors, robots also minimise pesticide waste by targeting applications only where necessary. 

“While high initial costs due to imported technologies remain a barrier, the development of home-grown solutions can mitigate these expenses. Local expertise ensures better after-sales support and customisations suited to Malaysia’s unique agricultural needs.” 

Mohamad Sabu added that robotic systems in aquaculture help reduce manpower and energy consumption, yielding further cost savings. 

To support farmers in overcoming challenges like high upfront costs and technical knowledge gaps, he explained that the government provides various forms of assistance. 

“Matching grants, low-interest loans via Bank Pertanian Malaysia Bhd and tax incentives aim to ease the financial burden of adopting robotic systems.” 

Furthermore, Mohamad Sabu mentioned that the government collaborates with research institutes and universities to develop local expertise and technologies. 

“Significant investments are also being made to upgrade infrastructure, including transitioning from 4G to 5G in industrial areas to facilitate technology integration,” he said. 

On the topic of sustainable farming, Mohamad Sabu commented on the critical role of robotics in enhancing efficiency and minimising environmental impact. 

He said by reducing pesticide usage and improving resource management, robotics aligns with the goals outlined in the National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030. 

The policy aims to establish a sustainable, resilient and high-technology agri-food sector by promoting smart agriculture, research and development and sustainable practices. 

Mohamad Sabu mentioned the country is still in the early stages of adopting agricultural robotics compared to other nations. 

But through active collaboration between the government, academia and industry players, Malaysia is steadily catching up. 

“Hence, a whole-of-government approach to foster innovation and promote technology adoption in the sector, paving the way for a sustainable and technology-driven future in agriculture,” he said. 

Economist and South-East Asia Lead of the Global Labour Organisation Prof Niaz Asadullah said Malaysia, despite having one of the lowest robot densities in East Asia, is stepping into the future of agriculture with robotic innovations designed to tackle ageing farmers and an oversupply of foreign labour. 

He noted emerging technologies like Autonomous Ground Vehicles (AGVs) and fruit-picking robots are transforming traditional farming practices, driven by enterprises such as Malaysia-based Meraque Group Sdn Bhd and the UK’s Wootzano Ltd. 

Meraque recently launched the Robotic Agro in Complex Environment (Race), Malaysia’s first AGV tailored for complex agricultural terrains. 

It autonomously navigates plantations, performing tasks such as spraying and monitoring. This reduces reliance on manual labour and significantly cuts costs. 

Niaz, who is also an associate fellow of the Universiti Malaya Social Wellbeing Research Centre (SWRC), added that Wootzano’s post-harvest robotic packing system uses advanced sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to handle fruits and vegetables with precision, ensuring optimal quality. 

Sime Darby Bhd’s subsidiary, SD Guthrie Bhd, is also investing heavily in robotics to enhance palm oil plantation management. 

Niaz said the benefits of agricultural robots are multifaceted. Robots like Race offer continuous operation, covering more ground than human workers, which translates into substantial labour cost savings.

“Productivity also sees a boost, with robots delivering higher yields and better-quality produce through precision farming. 

“Technologies like these not only reduce waste but also improve market readiness, making farming more efficient and sustainable.” 

Niaz added that long term, robots could rejuvenate the farming industry by attracting younger generations and making farming technologically appealing. 

However, despite their potential, he explained integrating robotics into agriculture is not without challenges. High upfront costs and limited access to capital deter smallholders from investing in these technologies. 

Additionally, technical knowledge gaps hinder effective adoption. Niaz explained training and education are crucial for equipping farmers to operate and maintain robotic systems. 

“Infrastructure limitations further complicate rural adoption, potentially widening the gap between urban and rural farming programmes.” 

According to Niaz, robotic advancements are driving precision agriculture by enabling targeted interventions in crop health and soil management. Automation also enhances resource efficiency, reducing water usage, energy consumption and chemical dependency. 

T-Robot Sdn Bhd ED Syed Zaini Putra Aljamalullail Syed Yusoff said the development of industrial linear robots starts with identifying the system’s primary purpose. 

This, in turn, determines the design of its end-effector — the component responsible for tasks such as transferring plants or products, monitoring crop performance, or spraying solutions in agricultural settings. 

“Our linear robotics systems consist of three major elements: The mechanical part, which includes the body structure, motor and actuator; the electrical and electro-components like sensors and wiring; and the control system for programming and operation. 

“Most of these systems are Internet of Things (IoT)-based, enabling real-time monitoring from anywhere,” he said. 

Syed Zaini added one example: Using robotic systems equipped with camera vision for crop monitoring. 

The system can capture real-time data on crops, like tomatoes, by manoeuvring its end-effector to pre-declared positions. This data is stored in a cloud-based system, where it undergoes analysis for AI-driven predictive insights. 

For instance, by analysing the stored data, farmers can predict the future condition of crops and take preventive actions early. This helps farmers not only increase productivity but also improve the overall health of their crops. 

Syed Zaini mentioned a case study highlighting the transformative impact of their robotic solutions. 

A project aimed at improving semi-automatic peat block production with electronically controlled hydraulic actuating systems significantly enhanced efficiency and quality. 

He said previously, creating one crate of peat blocks manually took five minutes, with an integrity rate of 80% and a high rejection rate. After implementing the semi-automatic system, productivity increased by 15%, reducing the production time to three minutes per crate with a 95% integrity rate. 

This shift not only increased output but also reduced material waste, showcasing the potential of robotics to revolutionise agriculture. 

Moreover, Syed Zaini explained that adopting robotics in agriculture requires adequate training and support. 

“We provide training on Industry 4.0 technologies, including robotics and automation, IoT, AI, and productivity. Most agropreneurs start with digitisation, then gradually adopt IoT and AI to optimise their operations.” 

Looking ahead, he anticipates a future where robotics and AI play a central role in transforming agriculture. 

Electrical farm robots with interchangeable tools, soft robot grasping technologies and advanced sensors will support sustainable agricultural practices, improve manufacturing productivity and ensure food security while AI applications enhance crop yields and drive economic efficiency in the agri-food sector. 

Meraque COO Suria Affandi said its drone-powered solutions, like Drone Spraying and Drone Agriculture Mapping, have revolutionised farming practices, offering enhanced precision and efficiency. 

“Our hybrid-powered drones, which combine electric and fuel technologies, allow for extended flight times, covering larger areas with fewer recharges. 

“This capability not only saves time but significantly increases operational efficiency across vast fields,” she said. 

With global positioning systems, AI and sensors integrated into drones, precision agriculture is now more achievable than ever. 

Drones target specific areas, minimising waste and optimising resource application. For example, they can spray fertilisers or pesticides only where needed, reducing environmental impact while improving crop yield. 

Meraque’s innovations extend to Digitised Precision Terracing, a technology designed to maximise arable land, especially in challenging terrains. 

By using drone mapping and light detection and ranging, the company creates highly accurate topographic maps that help farmers plan efficient terraces, transforming previously unusable slopes into fertile, flat areas. 

This approach not only increases land use but also improves crop yields through better water retention and erosion control. 

Additionally, the integration of IoT Smart Farming technologies empowers farmers to manage crops and resources more effectively. 

Through data collected from sensors, farmers can monitor specific crop needs and adjust resource usage like water, fertiliser, and pesticides accordingly. 

This approach helps reduce waste, lower costs and ultimately leads to more sustainable farming practices. 

Meraque’s AGV technology further automates farm tasks. The robotic system, known as Race, is capable of spraying pesticides and navigating between rows of crops autonomously, significantly reducing manual labour. 

“Race not only cuts down labour costs but also improves the consistency and accuracy of pesticide application in oil palm plantations,” Suria said. 

Suria also explained its central role in decision-making. 

“Real-time data from drones and IoT systems gives farmers immediate insights into the health of their crops, soil conditions, and even weather patterns. This allows for timely interventions and more informed decisions.”

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• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition