All smiles: Mohamad (centre) visiting a Perak Farmers’ Organisation cattle rearing project in Kampung Tengah, Beruas, Perak. — Bernama
BERUAS: Malaysia is not heavily dependent on food imports from Iran, and as such, the situation does not impact the country’s food supply, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
He explained that Malaysia’s food import requirements from Iran are limited to dates and legume products, which are not among the country’s primary food commodities.
“Most of our food imports from Iran are not high. Most of our imports are from India, Pakistan, the Middle East, China and Asean countries,” he told a press conference after visiting a Perak Farmers’ Organisation cattle rearing project yesterday, Bernama reported.
Asked about the impact of the current hot weather on padi crops, Mohamad said that so far, 60% of the country’s padi production remain unaffected.
However, he said, adjustments to the padi planting schedule may be necessary based on discussions with the Muda Agricultural Development Authority and the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority.
“Sometimes we need to change the schedule a little, depending on weather conditions and suitability,” he said.
Mohamad also said the ministry will assist the livestock farm, which he visited yesterday, in building a slaughterhouse to help increase the farm’s productivity.
It currently houses about 500 animals.
“We have set a target to achieve a meat self-sufficiency level of more than 30% by 2030, compared to 20% currently.
“With the developments we are seeing now, we are confident about reaching the goal,” he said.
