AP abolition can strengthen food security, halt price hikes, says economist

KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s move to abolish approved permits (APs) for food imports is viewed as a short-term solution as it allows markets to operate freely to strengthen the country’s food security and halt price hikes, says an economist.

Malaysia University of Science and Technology (MUST) economics professor Dr Geoffrey Williams said the government was doing the right thing in stages - from price caps to market liberalisation - to ensure sufficient food supply in the country.