PONTIAN: Despite disruptions in local production due to changing weather patterns, Malaysia still maintains an ample rice supply, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said this was because the country has been able to meet over 40% of its rice needs through imports from other countries.
"Currently, our local rice production accounts for less than 60% of the country's requirements, and we import more than 40% from other nations.
"Factors contributing to this shortfall include severe droughts in 2021 and 2022, particularly in Kedah and Kelantan.
"Additionally, rice crops in Kedah were also affected by floods this year, which arrived in September instead of October, as initially predicted," he said during a press conference after attending the Santuni Madani programme and the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kampung Parit Jerman agrotourism centre here on Saturday (Oct 12).
He said this when asked about the country's rice supply in view of the ongoing monsoon season.
Mohamad added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit to India further boosted the country's rice supply.
"During the Prime Minister's visit, India agreed to supply an additional 200,000 tonnes of rice to Malaysia.
"Pakistan has also offered us white rice, in addition to the regular imports we receive from Thailand and Pakistan," he said, adding that the strengthening of the ringgit has helped reduce the cost of imported rice.
