Food agenda: Zahari attending the state assembly meeting in Kota Iskandar. — Bernama
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The spike in demand from Melaka, Negri Sembilan and Singapore is affecting the supply of eggs in Johor but the situation is not critical, assured the state government.
Johor agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said although the supply was low, the state remained one of the biggest egg producers in the country.
“Most of our eggs are being exported to Singapore, Melaka and Negri Sembilan, which is why we are seeing fewer eggs in our market although in terms of production, it is at a normal level. But we are seeing more demand for export,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the state assembly meeting in Kota Iskandar here yesterday.
He said the state was not facing food supply problems involving sea produce and vegetables despite the ongoing monsoon season.
Zahari said the Malaysian Fisheries Development Board (LKIM) and agribusiness associations had given an assurance that the supply was sufficient despite the reduction in harvest or catch due to the monsoon.
“Based on information, there is indeed a lack of fish landings due to several factors such as fewer fishermen going to sea. However, according to the demand recorded during last year’s monsoon season, the existing supply is sufficient.
“The same involves produce such as vegetables, where there are some farming areas affected by heavy rain but it does not affect supply and demand at the moment,” he added.
Zahari said he would arrange a meeting with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu to discuss issues related to agriculture in the state.
He said the meeting was to ensure the direction of Johor’s agriculture sector as it was one of the state’s main economic sectors.
“The state government also needs federal cooperation to make initiatives planned such as the Johor food agenda and the black pepper valley a success.
“So we hope that the meeting will be useful for the well-being and security of food supply not only for Johor but the whole country,” he added.
