Chua Tee Yong 蔡智勇 Member of Parliament for Labis 拉美士区国会议员 Deputy Minister of Finance 财政部副部长
Friday, November 19, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
China complains about 2 M’sian bird’s nest factories using dangerous chemicals
SEREMBAN: Two swiftlet nest processing factories have been using dangerous chemicals to make the nests look reddish so that it can be categorised as top quality.
However, China, the main importer of the nests, spotted the bid by the factories to cheat buyers and filed a complaint with Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry, according to the ministry’s deputy minister Chua Tee Yong.
He said the factories have been ordered to stop operations and action would soon be taken over the use of the chemical, which could cause cancer.
Speaking to reporters after opening a course on swiftlet farming here Saturday, he also said that a guideline on swiftlet farming would be introduced this year to facilitate regulation by authorities on the industry.
He said there were about 6,000 swiftlet farming operators registered with the ministry, but believed the actual number of operators involved was twice the number. – Bernama 23 Oct 2010
However, China, the main importer of the nests, spotted the bid by the factories to cheat buyers and filed a complaint with Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry, according to the ministry’s deputy minister Chua Tee Yong.
He said the factories have been ordered to stop operations and action would soon be taken over the use of the chemical, which could cause cancer.
Speaking to reporters after opening a course on swiftlet farming here Saturday, he also said that a guideline on swiftlet farming would be introduced this year to facilitate regulation by authorities on the industry.
He said there were about 6,000 swiftlet farming operators registered with the ministry, but believed the actual number of operators involved was twice the number. – Bernama 23 Oct 2010
蔡智勇：提高稻米生產量‧2億重整灌溉系統建水壩
（彭亨‧雲頂30日訊）農業及農基工業部副部長蔡智勇說，該部將落實多方面的計劃，包括興建水壩和重整稻米生產區灌溉系統，以提高國內稻米生產量。
12億作津貼用途
他說，在這次的財政預算案中，政府將撥出2億2千500萬令吉在吉打稻米區全面規劃灌溉和排水系統，同時撥出1億5千萬令吉在登嘉樓興建水壩，加強稻米的水供需求。
蔡智勇今晚出席大馬米糧批發商公會33週年紀念暨國稻聯營簽約十週年紀念晚宴上致詞時說，政府考量到國內的稻米有必要進一步提高產量，因此通過多項計劃落實。
他指出，財政預算案中另外一項撥款為12億令吉，作為國內米糧及價格的津貼用途，確保供應順暢，尤其是讓赤貧的一群能夠買到價格低廉的白米。
他希望國家稻米和大馬米糧批發商繼續密切合作，為國家米糧市場的穩定作出貢獻。
吳子聯：建議未被接納
落實碎米津貼問題叢生
大馬米糧批發商公會會長吳子聯說，政府提供15%的碎米津貼原本是協助貧窮一群，但是發現落實方式不夠完善，導致問題叢生。
他吁請政府關注這項問題，尋找適合的途徑解決，否則政府發出的龐大津貼最終“不翼而飛”。
他說，公會曾經多次提呈建議給農業部和貿消部，但是所提出的發放津貼建議沒有被接納，他希望蔡智勇擔任農業及農基工業部副部長後，對這項課題深入瞭解，並一起尋求解決方案。
峇克里：合作10年見成果
國家稻米局貿易風集團董事經理峇克里說，國稻和大馬米糧批發商公會建立合作關係已經達10年。
他說，雙方在建立密切合作付出很大的努力，目前已經看到成果，並且希望今後能夠繼續打造新的合作基礎。
星洲日報‧2010.10.31
12億作津貼用途
他說，在這次的財政預算案中，政府將撥出2億2千500萬令吉在吉打稻米區全面規劃灌溉和排水系統，同時撥出1億5千萬令吉在登嘉樓興建水壩，加強稻米的水供需求。
蔡智勇今晚出席大馬米糧批發商公會33週年紀念暨國稻聯營簽約十週年紀念晚宴上致詞時說，政府考量到國內的稻米有必要進一步提高產量，因此通過多項計劃落實。
他指出，財政預算案中另外一項撥款為12億令吉，作為國內米糧及價格的津貼用途，確保供應順暢，尤其是讓赤貧的一群能夠買到價格低廉的白米。
他希望國家稻米和大馬米糧批發商繼續密切合作，為國家米糧市場的穩定作出貢獻。
吳子聯：建議未被接納
落實碎米津貼問題叢生
大馬米糧批發商公會會長吳子聯說，政府提供15%的碎米津貼原本是協助貧窮一群，但是發現落實方式不夠完善，導致問題叢生。
他吁請政府關注這項問題，尋找適合的途徑解決，否則政府發出的龐大津貼最終“不翼而飛”。
他說，公會曾經多次提呈建議給農業部和貿消部，但是所提出的發放津貼建議沒有被接納，他希望蔡智勇擔任農業及農基工業部副部長後，對這項課題深入瞭解，並一起尋求解決方案。
峇克里：合作10年見成果
國家稻米局貿易風集團董事經理峇克里說，國稻和大馬米糧批發商公會建立合作關係已經達10年。
他說，雙方在建立密切合作付出很大的努力，目前已經看到成果，並且希望今後能夠繼續打造新的合作基礎。
星洲日報‧2010.10.31
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Agriculture a fruitful venture
The Star 11.07.2010
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong normally prefers to stay out of the media spotlight. But he is keen to talk about the potential of the agricultural sector, targeting his message to the youth.
HIS boyish looks belie the determination in him to make his mark in politics.
Chua Tee Yong, the second son of MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, says he will not be distracted by talk that described his recent appointment as Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister as nepotism.
Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, he says. “What matters most is whether the criticisms can add value, or if they can make everyone’s lives better.”
At 33, Tee Yong’s rise in MCA over the last two years, described as a “helicopter ride”, has drawn diverse reactions – from admiration to envy and jealousy – but this is part and parcel of politics.
And the first-term Labis MP who is also the youngest deputy minister in the current line-up is taking it in his stride.
“I want to focus on the larger picture – to carry out my duties and responsibilities expected of me,” he stresses.
When asked how he would respond if someone just said point blank to him “You are a deputy minister because of your father”, Tee Yong says he would reply: “I respect your opinion. Thank you.”
There is certainly no reason for him to allow himself to be drawn into the topic, especially when the other party has made up his or her mind, he explains.
In fact, he says, he has been very busy of late, attending one briefing after another with the departments and agencies under his ministry.
One aspect about agriculture that has struck him is the fact that youngsters are not drawn towards this sector.
“Agriculture is not something that is seen as hip, cool or sexy,” he says, but expresses confidence that the youth will be interested in the sector once they see the potential.
“Do you know that you can take a soil sample from your garden and ask the Agriculture Department what can be planted on it?” he quips.
On a more serious note, Tee Yong, a chartered accountant with a Masters in Business Administration, points out that agriculture is a promising sector, and figures speak volumes of its potential.
Business ideas
Malaysia’s birds nest industry, for instance, was worth RM1bil in 2007, and this was only 8% of the world’s production. Another 70% was from Indonesia.
He notes that there is a booming market in China for the product, which is said to be good for health and beauty.
Ornamental fish rearing is also another business worth exploring, says Tee Yong, pointing out that Malaysia only accounts for RM700mil of the world’s RM27bil worth of ornamental fish exports a year.
Other businesses worth exploring include organic vegetable farming, contract farming for fruits like papaya and bananas, and aquaculture, he says, adding that the ministry will also come up with more user-friendly information, especially on the grants available, for those who are interested in venturing into the agriculture business.
On how he is coping with the sudden switch to agriculture, Tee Yong says his past experience as an auditor is helping him in a way.
“I always approach things with an open mind. I do not just focus on the issues. I also do a lot of reading and have dialogues with others at all levels to get a better picture of things.”
On the political front, Tee Yong says the MCA’s approach now is going to the ground to reach out to and interact with the people, especially the young. “We need the people’s feedback to help us serve them better. Our performance will be gauged by the people eventually.”
With three children aged between one and five years old, Tee Yong says he is grateful to his wife for all her support, especially in taking care of their children.
Bonding with the children is very important to him, and he tries to have dinner at home before going for night functions, and has breakfast with them during the weekends before proceeding to his Labis constituency.
Bonding is something he learnt from young, and he probably got himself drawn into politics in the process as he used to follow his father, a doctor-turned-politician from Batu Pahat, Johor, around.
“I remember people coming to our house to discuss politics with my father. As a teenager, I also used to go with my father when he visited his constituency,” recalls Tee Yong, who is the only one among Dr Chua Soi Lek’s three children to follow their father into politics.
His older brother, Tee Joo, 35, did follow in his father’s footsteps in another way, as he became a doctor.
Born and bred in Batu Pahat, Tee Yong, who received his tertiary education in Melbourne, says he does follow his father’s style in politics: having dialogues with the people to get to know them, looking at things from different perspectives, and meeting and interacting with people on the ground.
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong normally prefers to stay out of the media spotlight. But he is keen to talk about the potential of the agricultural sector, targeting his message to the youth.
HIS boyish looks belie the determination in him to make his mark in politics.
Chua Tee Yong, the second son of MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, says he will not be distracted by talk that described his recent appointment as Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister as nepotism.
Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, he says. “What matters most is whether the criticisms can add value, or if they can make everyone’s lives better.”
At 33, Tee Yong’s rise in MCA over the last two years, described as a “helicopter ride”, has drawn diverse reactions – from admiration to envy and jealousy – but this is part and parcel of politics.
And the first-term Labis MP who is also the youngest deputy minister in the current line-up is taking it in his stride.
“I want to focus on the larger picture – to carry out my duties and responsibilities expected of me,” he stresses.
When asked how he would respond if someone just said point blank to him “You are a deputy minister because of your father”, Tee Yong says he would reply: “I respect your opinion. Thank you.”
There is certainly no reason for him to allow himself to be drawn into the topic, especially when the other party has made up his or her mind, he explains.
In fact, he says, he has been very busy of late, attending one briefing after another with the departments and agencies under his ministry.
One aspect about agriculture that has struck him is the fact that youngsters are not drawn towards this sector.
“Agriculture is not something that is seen as hip, cool or sexy,” he says, but expresses confidence that the youth will be interested in the sector once they see the potential.
“Do you know that you can take a soil sample from your garden and ask the Agriculture Department what can be planted on it?” he quips.
On a more serious note, Tee Yong, a chartered accountant with a Masters in Business Administration, points out that agriculture is a promising sector, and figures speak volumes of its potential.
Business ideas
Malaysia’s birds nest industry, for instance, was worth RM1bil in 2007, and this was only 8% of the world’s production. Another 70% was from Indonesia.
He notes that there is a booming market in China for the product, which is said to be good for health and beauty.
Ornamental fish rearing is also another business worth exploring, says Tee Yong, pointing out that Malaysia only accounts for RM700mil of the world’s RM27bil worth of ornamental fish exports a year.
Other businesses worth exploring include organic vegetable farming, contract farming for fruits like papaya and bananas, and aquaculture, he says, adding that the ministry will also come up with more user-friendly information, especially on the grants available, for those who are interested in venturing into the agriculture business.
On how he is coping with the sudden switch to agriculture, Tee Yong says his past experience as an auditor is helping him in a way.
“I always approach things with an open mind. I do not just focus on the issues. I also do a lot of reading and have dialogues with others at all levels to get a better picture of things.”
On the political front, Tee Yong says the MCA’s approach now is going to the ground to reach out to and interact with the people, especially the young. “We need the people’s feedback to help us serve them better. Our performance will be gauged by the people eventually.”
With three children aged between one and five years old, Tee Yong says he is grateful to his wife for all her support, especially in taking care of their children.
Bonding with the children is very important to him, and he tries to have dinner at home before going for night functions, and has breakfast with them during the weekends before proceeding to his Labis constituency.
Bonding is something he learnt from young, and he probably got himself drawn into politics in the process as he used to follow his father, a doctor-turned-politician from Batu Pahat, Johor, around.
“I remember people coming to our house to discuss politics with my father. As a teenager, I also used to go with my father when he visited his constituency,” recalls Tee Yong, who is the only one among Dr Chua Soi Lek’s three children to follow their father into politics.
His older brother, Tee Joo, 35, did follow in his father’s footsteps in another way, as he became a doctor.
Born and bred in Batu Pahat, Tee Yong, who received his tertiary education in Melbourne, says he does follow his father’s style in politics: having dialogues with the people to get to know them, looking at things from different perspectives, and meeting and interacting with people on the ground.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
“做人不用太难 做好本份就好” 蔡智勇无惧闲言闲语（麻辣讲堂）
“做人不用太难 做好本份就好” 蔡智勇无惧闲言闲语（麻辣讲堂）
光华 06.07.2010
2008年以黑马姿态竞选拉美士区国会议员的蔡智勇，近2年的政治成就可谓平步青云，尤其是父亲拿督斯里蔡细历当上马华总会长后，他也在最新一轮的内阁改组中榜上有名，担任农业及农基工业部副部长。
命运安排父子俩踏上从政之路，也因为这段关系让许多人对蔡智勇存有主观印象，未评估他的实力或表现就一口认定那是一场官场裙带风。他应对这些闲言闲语的心态是：做人不用太难，做好本份就好。
没料到变黑马
“人家认识我，可能因为我是总会长的儿子；可是对总会长不满的人，也会对我不满。”
从专业领域转换跑道，其中两个单位影响甚大，即马华拉美士区会把他纳入国席推荐名单，以及前总会长丹斯里黄家定给的机会。他说，当时区会向黄家定推荐4人代表马华出征角逐拉美士区国席，当时蔡细历也是被推荐人选之一。
“我算是黑马，我也没有预料到被党推荐为候选人。”
至于对政治的兴趣，他不否认与父亲有关。他表示，哥哥从小就跟着父亲，当时蔡细历经营诊所，后来哥哥就当了医生；后期父亲担任州议员，他就经常与父亲“父子档”出席活动。
政治观点受父影响
就像一般的家庭一样，在孩子身上不难发现爸爸或妈妈的影子。所以，他对生活甚至政治观点或多或少都会受到蔡细历的影响，尤其是个性相似这一点，他从来没有否认过。
他指称，读书时代就关心政治新闻，可是刚加入马华的时候，由于只是一名普通党员，所以也没有做些什么。
通常拥有党职者才会被推荐入阁，针对蔡智勇的个案，当被询及来届党选要竞选那个高职时，他这么回答：“选区和部门工作够多要我烦，现在不谈党选，是否明年有党选或大选，我也不想瞎猜。”
父爱吃菜 我爱吃肉 不是百分百听话孩子
在蔡智勇眼中，蔡细历是一名非常关注孩子成长，尤其是学术方面的成就，且大小事都会提供个人意见的父亲。虽然蔡细历喜欢为孩子提供意见，不过蔡智勇坦言不是百分百听话的孩子，所以并没有100%遵从父亲的意愿。
他强调：“虽然我们来自同一个家庭，但有自己的想法。”
他以爱吃的食物说明两人不一样之处：“他（蔡细历）大多数青菜和鱼多一点，我就比较爱吃猪肉、鸡肉，两个人不可能完全一样，如果每个人都一样，那为什么每个家庭都有自己争论的议题。”
父子俩平日除了谈政治，还会聊一些生活事。他说：“我们也是人，也需要吃饭，偶尔也会聊食物和其他。”
他指自己从政资历只有2至3年，蔡细历则已达22年，因此不曾质疑后者的政治标准及层次。
针对外界还没有真正地评估他的实力就断定政治上的一切都是拜父亲所赐，本身心灵深处的感受，他还是以一贯的笑容一贯的答案回应：“我觉得我部门的东西太多，没有时间想这些。”
询及是否认同蔡细历当上总会长之后，为自己的政治历程开启方便之门？“有或没有，这个委任（指农业部副部长职）只有首相才知道，这个决定不能说是总会长的决定。”
50％时间处理公务
2年前第一次中选为人民代议士就开始着手处理及学习选区工作，现在接受另一项挑战，蔡智勇每日50％的时间都在处理公务。
从政之前他是一名会计师，他认为不管是在一家公司上班或政府体系内服务人民，都必须对工作范畴拥有基本认识，所以翻阅资料是每个内阁成员到新部门的必备功课。
他始终认为，掌握越多就会增加与人会谈的信心，所以要具体地了解部门的操作，每天50％的时间都花在了解部门、翻阅资料、备忘录和出席国会会议。
剩余的另50％，要针对特定议题与专门部门或机构研究，下班回家后的时间就留给家人。
他相信这个磨合期只会维持2至3个月，当一切上手之后就会有更多的时间处理其他事。
提到处理经济课题时是否会比较得心应手，他称当会计师时曾负责内部和外部审计工作，不管面对什么问题都要学习及了解。
他以丹斯里冯镇安为例，表示后者是一名经济教授，可是也当过人资部长。
涉足政治圈之前，他表示生活字典里也常出现“政治”这个字眼，因为人与人的接触必定会出现竞争，如公司政治。
“党产非我管”
与冯镇安一并受委负责研究专业化处理马华党产方案，蔡智勇澄清，党产不是由他来管。
针对有报导指他接受管理马华党产，他说自己和冯镇安乃探讨并提呈专业化处理党产的方案，并推荐管理公司名单及报告提呈会长理事会，以让党产处理更专业及透明化。
他强调，专业化处理党产也是避免出现问题或误会，尤其是涉及头号领袖干预的困扰。
养燕业值10亿 观赏鱼值270亿 农业部重点发展2领域
养燕业2007年全球市值10亿令吉、观赏鱼全球市值270亿令吉，蔡智勇表示农业部在《第10大马计划》将重点发展这两个具有潜能的领域，以增加国家收入。
他指出，大马在全球养燕业仅占8％，远抛在印尼（70％）后头。根据部门掌握的资料显示，全国约有6000多个养燕产业，由州政府发出的临时养燕执照也只有1000多张。
“中国对燕窝的需求越来越高，大马在养燕业拥有发展潜能，但是没有清晰系统，以具体探讨及研究。”
出口燕窝涉及的层面相当广泛，除了品质必须系统化，也要拟定出口条例及统一生产模式确保品质达标。
他披露，在《第9大马计划》执行后期，该部鼓励农业银行发放7000万贷款，以协助养燕业的发展。他说，每一份贷款申请的款额介于1万令吉至500万令吉。
即使观赏鱼的发展出现很多问题，不过为了国家经济，他指该部目前正探讨如何把国内6亿条观赏鱼增加至12亿或13亿条以增加收入。
大马于2004年的观赏鱼出口额达1亿令吉，2008年和2009年这两年的出口额平均达到7亿令吉；观赏鱼养鱼场目前集中在霹、柔和吉打3州。
无论如何，中央政府需要州政府合作，以拨出土地建设养鱼场，就如解决蔬果园那样设定现代农业永久园地（Taman Kekal Pertanian Moden）。
蔡智勇并不担心与民联政府的合作会面对困难，因为站在增加州属收入的立场，民联政府不可能反对以上两个行业的发展。
不反对森武吉布兰律集中养猪
蔡智勇披露，农业部基本上不反对森美兰武吉布兰律集中养猪区计划，是否恢复开放当地养猪场由州政府决定。
鉴于需求越来越高，他指大马有必要增加猪只产量。此外，他也将于本周五到武吉布兰律亲自视察。
他提到，禽畜发展不只是猪，牛、鸡也是一样，因为很多人都不想住宅区有禽畜行业，所以都会作出多项投诉。
“这也是发展迅速的州属如雪、槟和柔常面对的问题。”
此外，他目前也在处理外劳的课题。
拥3部门9机构 需时了解运作
农业部拥有3个部门及9个机构，上任1个多月后，蔡智勇表示仍需时间了解运作。
谈到担任副部长的感受，他坦言压力一定有，不过还是要感谢首相的委任。他表示会竭尽所能完成任务，除了聆听汇报也会积极出席与中央、州和县商会的对话会。
他称，争取马华代表在农业部服务是前马华总会长敦林良实时代的希望，这一次改组受委农业部副部长，他希望可以充当渔民、农民与政府的桥梁。
至于和部长拿督斯里诺奥玛的合作，他表示截至目前合作大致上没有问题，部长鼓励副手甚至官员多与基层接触。
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
蔡智勇：暫難擺脫父親影子‧指需時間證明能力
星洲日報‧2010.07.06
蔡智勇：暫難擺脫父親影子‧指需時間證明能力
（吉隆坡）農業及農基工業部副部長兼馬華拉美士區國會議員蔡智勇坦言，剛在政壇嶄露頭角的他，現階段還很難擺脫其父親，即馬華總會長拿督斯里蔡細歷的影子；不過，他強調本身有個人的處事方式，並需要時間來證明他的能力。
他說，他中選為國會議員只不過是兩年多前的事，但其父親已從政逾20年，因此他個人的領袖魅力不可能蓋過父親，惟他會欣然接受這事實。
中小企業科技化，使用微軟雲端運算，下購置電腦軟體所需的高昂開銷。
“很多人說當總會長的兒子有方便之處，針對我活在父親的影子下一事，現階段很難解決；我覺得最重要的是用時間去證實，我有我的做事方式。”
他今日（週二，7月6日）接受星洲日報專訪時指出，擁有一位強勢的父親對他來說好壞參半，由於人們認識蔡智勇是因為蔡細歷，因此不喜歡總會長的人，自然也不喜歡他。
壓力激勵向前走
詢及其父親的名望和政績會否對他造成壓力時，蔡智勇說：“他（蔡細歷）立下了良好標竿，很多人說他的辦事效率高；不過，有壓力對競爭來說是好事，壓力會激勵我向前走。”
他表示，他不介意外界指他“子憑父貴”靠父蔭入閣，因為在政治上每個人的要求不同，最重要的是他們各有價值觀和想法，他無法控制別人的思維。
“有人也支持我利用專業知識協助農民，我不會負面看待批評者的言論，他們講甚麼我都接受；若政治人物因為遭受批評而傷心，則很難進行政治工作。”
他說，有關蔡細歷應否當官一事眾說紛紜，馬華黨員可有各自的意見，惟他認為蔡細歷入閣與否，應由當事人及首相決定。
“代父從軍”
說法不成立
針對他被委為副部長是因為蔡細歷以官位“代替交換”或“代父從軍”的說法，蔡智勇指出，蔡細歷已將馬華部長推薦人選名單呈交給首相，首相擁有最終決策權，這意味候選人皆有機會入閣，因此上述說法並不成立。
詢及也是拉美士區會副主席的蔡智勇有了副部長職護航後，會否在來屆黨選攻打黨高職時，他說：“我剛上任為農業部副部長，而且還有選區的工作要處理，因此黨選問題慢慢再打算，最重要的是我能交出工作表現和成績。”
他認為，全國大選比黨選更重要，因此他會把精神專注在部門和選區。
部門篇：利用科技提高豬肉產量
蔡智勇說，由於大馬的房屋及住宅區發展迅速，導致大馬養豬業面臨養豬場不足的困境，因此農業部將探討在第十大馬計劃下，採用現代化的改革以提高豬肉產量。
“其實養牛和養雞業也面對缺乏土地的問題，因此農業部將研究採用現代化的科技，協助禽畜業者提高產量。”
他說，一些豬農也沒注意環境污染的問題，導致頻頻被投訴，當局被迫採取不受豬農歡迎的行動；但此課題並非全國性，好比柔佛州的養豬業並沒出現這問題。
提供農業投資計劃設施
蔡智勇說，其實農業部有許多計劃及設施，能協助農民或有意往農業投資的人士，不過，由於宣傳不足，導致國人不清楚及不瞭解該部提供的服務。
他說，若民眾家中有土地，可將泥土送到農業部化驗土壤適合栽種哪種農作物，收費僅介於10至20令吉；此外，該部也提供確保農作物能茁壯成長的咨詢。
“農業銀行也提供貸款給養燕業者，從1萬至500萬令吉不等，胥視經驗而定；若投資者的燕屋設在郊外，當局通常會發出執照。”
他透露，最近栽種有機蔬果成為流行趨勢，若農民有意將農地轉型為有機蔬果農地，政府將提供每公頃農地8000令吉津貼。
他指出，農業部已成立實驗室鑒定有潛能的行業，以提高國家農產品出口及收入，如該部研究發現香蕉在中國的需求量高，就會建議果農種植香蕉。
特別關注華裔農民心聲
蔡智勇說，農業部將以課題為主協助各民族農民解決難題，惟因為他是馬華的代表，因此會特別關注華社的心聲。
他指出，農業部部長職是馬華從前總會長敦林良實時代就開始爭取的職位，因為大部份漁民、果農、菜農及稻農為華裔，該部和華社息息相關。
他指出，農業部的政策多數以國文推動，因此他已和農業部長拿督斯里諾奧馬建議，將一些重要資料翻譯成華文，並已得到部長的贊同。
他透露，農業部共有2萬3000名員工，每年的預算開支為29億令吉，發展撥款則是24億令吉。
他說，他將訪問各國會選區瞭解農民所面對的問題，以及勘察農業部官員是否在執行政策時出現偏差。
“一些地方的漁民申請津貼卡需要2至3週就能得到，一些地方則是4個月，雖然各州都有農業部官員，但他們是隸屬州政府，因此中央的指示，他們或許不瞭解。”
他說，他在出任副部長後生活比以往更忙碌，因為農業部屬下有10各個機構和3個部門，他需聽取各單位的匯報，以便和業者對話時達到事半功倍的效果。
重視擁高經濟價值行業
蔡智勇透露，農業部重視擁有高經濟價值的行業，特別是養燕業，觀賞魚業、胡姬花業及有機蔬果業。
他指出，養燕業的全球市場價值高達270億令吉，在中國擁有龐大市場，但大馬目前僅占有6%至8%的市場，其中70%是由印尼所控制。
他說，養燕業在大馬的市場價值達10億令吉，目前投資該行業的最大阻礙為執照問題，因為養燕業者要出口燕窩，必須向大馬半島野生動物保護及國家公園局，以及國際貿易及工業部申請執照。
“我們將和上述單位及衛生部合作，以減少繁文縟節，確保養燕業有潛能發展；我們也要將燕窩分等級，因為人人都會說他們的燕窩是最好的。”
他透露，觀賞魚業的市場價值達7億4000萬令吉，大馬的水質及天氣也適合飼養觀賞魚，因此該部將和州政府配合發展該行業。
“可惜的是我們的觀賞魚都出口到新加坡，由該國轉出口，現在最重要的是，我們計劃和馬航及吉隆坡國際機場合作，增加航班提高網絡連接性，否則大多數買家仍會選擇去新加坡。”
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