BY INDY MAEALASIA

MINISTER of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Franklyn Wasi, has called for a united effort to protect and preserve bee populations in the country.

Commemorating the nation’s first Bee Day alongside stakeholders and local beekeepers on Tuesday, May 20, Minister Wasi underscored the critical importance of bees and the need for collective responsibility.

“I call upon all of us—government, partners, researchers, farmers and young people—to take action to protect and promote bee health,” he said.

Minister Wasi outlined several key steps to support this goal:

• Encouraging beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood, particularly for rural communities and youth.
• Investing in research and training in apiculture and pollination services to strengthen local capacity.
• Promoting pollinator-friendly farming practices, such as planting flowering plants and reducing the use of harmful pesticides.
• Supporting climate-resilient ecosystems that allow bees and other pollinators to thrive.

Looking ahead to the future of the local bee industry, Minister Wasi highlighted the important role of young people.

“Our young people are the future stewards of our natural resources,” he said. “I urge them to take an interest in beekeeping—not only as a source of income, but also as a way to care for the environment and contribute to national food security.”

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