YB Tuan Haji Akmal Nasrullah Bin Haji Mohd Nasir, Minister of Economy, today conducted an official working visit to the IPRINTAN Putrajaya Project to witness the progress of the national food security initiative spearheaded by Nestlé Malaysia. The visit highlighted the success of structured farmer partnerships in enhancing national food self-sufficiency while providing sustainable economic opportunities for the B40 community.
During the visit, the Minister was briefed on the significant socio-economic impact of the high-yield chilli farming initiative. The project, which is integrated into Nestlé Malaysia’s local supply chain, has demonstrated substantial improvements in farmer productivity and income levels. This collaboration is a key component of the Nestlé Chilli Club (NCC), a long-standing contract farming programme established in 1995.
Strengthening the National Food Supply Chain
The contract farming initiative currently supports local farmers across 12 sites in Kelantan, Selangor, Putrajaya, and Johor, covering a total of 146 acres. This strategic programme provides farmers with income security, professional skills development, and stable market demand.
A major milestone was announced during the visit: the Nestlé Chilli Club now fulfills 100% of the fresh chilli requirements for the locally produced MAGGI Chilli Sauce. This achievement reinforces Nestlé Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable, locally sourced food production and the reduction of reliance on imports.
Economic Empowerment for B40 Smallholders
Data from the IPRINTAN Putrajaya project indicates that participating farmers earn an average monthly income of approximately RM3,000. Currently in its fifth cycle (2026), the project has successfully produced more than 200 tonnes of chillies, with an estimated market value of RM1.5 million.
Mr. Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia, stated:
“Supporting the livelihoods of local farmers is integral to both our value chain and the nation’s food security agenda. Our long-term partnerships with farming communities and government stakeholders, including our collaboration with IPRINTAN under the Ministry, reflect our shared responsibility to build a more resilient food system while empowering B40 households.”
Investment in Regenerative Agriculture
To ensure the long-term viability of the farms, Nestlé Malaysia provides participants with intensive training in regenerative agricultural practices. These eco-friendly techniques enhance soil health and farm productivity, ensuring high-quality, traceable produce for Nestlé’s manufacturing value chain.
The initiative has seen consistent growth since its inception in Kelantan in 1995. It expanded to Selangor in 2021 with the support of Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan Kuala Langat and further evolved in 2025 with a modern greenhouse project in collaboration with Chin Siam Chiap (CSS) Johor.
The ‘Farmer Connect’ Legacy
Nestlé Malaysia’s commitment to economic resilience is further anchored in its broader Farmer Connect programmes. These initiatives support hundreds of farmers nationwide across various sectors:
- Rice: Sustainable cultivation and agronomy support in Kedah and Perlis.
- Cocoa: Responsible sourcing in partnership with the Malaysian Cocoa Board in Sabah and Sarawak.
- Coffee: Capacity building and farming programmes in Kedah and Gua Musang, Kelantan.
Guided by its Creating Shared Value (CSV) approach, Nestlé Malaysia remains dedicated to building a sustainable food future by strengthening local sourcing and fostering resilient supply chains.