Food security is a national issue says Johor MB

JOHOR BARU: Food security is no longer a state issue, it has become a national issue that needs to be addressed immediately by all stakeholders, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

The Johor Mentri Besar said this would ensure that the people do not continue to be burdened with disruptions to the food supply.

“Lack of local rice supply and increase in the price of imported rice have greatly affected the people who have to face the rising cost of living.

“With the uncertain weather because of climate change, immediate action needs to be taken,” he said in a Facebook post here on Friday (Sept 29).

Onn Hafiz, who is the Machap assemblyman, added that he visited several locations and observed that there has been a shortage of some basic food items such as local rice, eggs and subsidised cooking oil.

He said his administration is taking the matter seriously and he has requested the state agriculture, agro based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip and state investment, trade and consumer affairs committee chairman Lee Ting Han together with related agencies such as Fama, to review the short, medium and long term plans to meet the people’s needs.

He added that Johor has several suggestions for the federal government to consider in addressing the issue of rice supply in the country.

“Among the suggestions is creating import rice subsidies until the issue of local rice supply is sufficient. The repackaging of rice into small packs such as 1kg or 2kg so that it is easier and cheaper to buy by the people.

“Johor is offering our land to be considered for rice planting activities and the federal government should consider importing rice from other countries such as Indonesia, which is cheaper,” he added.