The Malaysian State of Penang has announced that the state is looking forward to implementing blockchain technology in supply chain management of food and agricultural products.

Sim Tze Tzin, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries of Malaysia, has stated that blockchain can be used for various applications in the industry. The technology has the potential to enable tracking the origin of a particular item by scanning the codes embedded in it. Also, it can be used to alert the consumers during outbreaks of any risky foodborne diseases.

The minister has praised the decentralized nature of blockchain networks that prevents manipulation of data records. He is assertive that the implementation of the technology will reduce operational costs and improve the overall security by eliminating middlemen.