JOHOR BARU: Food security will be one of the focal points of the state’s budget to be announced on Nov 23, says Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (pic).
“Looking at the ongoing climate change, which will not be going away any time soon, food security will be one of our focuses. We are viewing the issue seriously.
“Besides state assemblymen and MPs, Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar was also concerned about the matter, and he recently donated 10,000 10kg bags of rice to the poor throughout the state.
“I understand that His Majesty will be distributing another 10,000 bags of rice in the coming weeks,” he told reporters after attending a Jualan Rahmah programme held at Hospital Sultan Ismail’s parking lot here yesterday.
Onn Hafiz said the Johor government will continue working with the Federal Government to ensure Johor’s position as a food bank.
He will also be meeting with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu next week to discuss the matter before the state budget announcement, he added.
Johor health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon, who was also present at the programme, said it was the Mentri Besar’s idea for the Jualan Rahmah initiative to be held at the hospital to benefit more people.
“This is one of the rare times when such sales were held in the compound of a government building.
“By having it in the hospital parking lot, residents living in the vicinity, including government quarters’ residents and hospital staff, were able to buy goods such as rice, dressed chicken, eggs and cooking oil at cheaper prices,” said Ling.
