Food imports, exchange rate and cost of living – Catch 22 situation

While addressing challenges in food production issues require relevant domestic policies and time, cost of living, on the other hand, will need to be tackled by raising productivity and improving education to lift income levels, as ultimately, cost of living issues go beyond just rising cost, said Bank Negara.

KUALA LUMPUR: Transforming Malaysia into a net food exporter may still not wean the country off the need for imports. Neither will it completely help the country in addressing the cost of living issue.

While addressing challenges in food production issues require relevant domestic policies and time, cost of living, on the other hand, will need to be tackled by raising productivity and improving education to lift income levels, as ultimately, cost of living issues go beyond just rising cost, said Bank Negara.