The agricultural sector in Malaysia’s Bentong district, renowned for its durian and ginger, is poised for a significant transformation. The Digital Minister, Gobind Singh Deo, recently announced a series of smart, technology-based programmes designed to enhance operational efficiency and boost crop yields. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Communications and Digital, Digital National Berhad (DNB), and the Bentong Member of Parliament’s office, aims to modernise the sector and empower local farmers with cutting-edge technological advancements.
The programmes, set to be rolled out soon, will introduce innovative solutions to streamline agricultural operations and optimise farming practices. Minister Gobind highlighted specific products at the Proof of Concept (POC) stage, which will serve as pilot projects. These projects will support local industry players in integrating technology into their agricultural practices. The goal is to make technology more accessible and practical for Bentong’s farmers, enabling them to enhance their productivity, sustainability, and profitability.
The announcement was made during the launch of the Jelajah Digital: 5G Enabled Agritech event at the Bentong Municipal Council Hall. The event, attended by Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman and Digital National Berhad’s CEO Datuk Azman Ismail, showcased the potential of 5G technology in agriculture. Applications such as precision farming, smart irrigation systems, and automated crop monitoring were demonstrated, highlighting how 5G can revolutionise farming practices.
Minister Gobind also provided updates on the expansion of 5G network coverage in Pahang, a crucial component for enabling many of the technology-based agricultural programmes. As of January, the state’s 5G network had covered 66.4% of populated areas, with Bentong achieving a coverage of 72.3%. This advanced connectivity will support technologies that require fast, reliable data transmission, such as real-time monitoring and remote management systems in agriculture.
The 5G-enabled agritech initiatives are expected to significantly increase agricultural productivity, reduce waste, and improve overall farming practices. Through the implementation of technologies such as drones, sensors, and automated systems, farmers in Bentong will be able to monitor crop conditions more effectively, manage resources more efficiently, and make data-driven decisions to optimise their yields.
Beyond agriculture, Minister Gobind highlighted Pahang’s growing potential in the automotive sector. The state is well-positioned to become a leading hub for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and assembly on the East Coast of Malaysia. This transformation is expected to bring economic benefits, boost the state’s economy, and create new job opportunities. Complementing these advancements, Bentong has been selected as the site for the first electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Pahang. This initiative is part of a broader plan to establish 50 charging stations across the state, supporting the shift towards cleaner, more sustainable transportation options.
With the introduction of these technology-based programmes in agriculture and the expansion of 5G coverage, Bentong’s agricultural sector is on the brink of a significant transformation. These developments will not only improve the efficiency and sustainability of farming practices but also pave the way for future economic growth in the region. Bentong is set to become a model for innovation and technological integration in agriculture, showcasing how technology can drive progress and sustainability in the sector.
