PUTRAJAYA: The government is spearheading a reverse investment approach this year in a strategic move to safeguard the country’s supply of critical food commodities.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, who disclosed this, said the government must move beyond short-term, reactive measures for strategic steps to secure the nation’s food supply chain.
“This approach will target key sectors, namely cattle, rice, dairy, breeds of animals and seeds, vital to the national food chain and must be protected from global supply disruptions.
“In line with this, the ministry will adopt a reverse investment approach this year to safeguard the supply of critical food commodities,” he said in his New Year message to staff members here yesterday, Bernama reported.
The reverse investment approach in agriculture involves direct government or private investment in food production, covering land, technology and seeds, to reduce import dependence and ensure a stable, secure and sustainable food supply amid market or climate disruptions.
Mohamad said the ministry welcomed government-linked companies and government investment firms as strategic partners to secure national stakes in the critical supply chain.
“Involvement from this sector is key to securing national stakes in the critical supply chain, boosting food sovereignty and ensuring Malaysia’s food system remained resilient in the long term,” he said.
He said the reverse investment strategy was not intended to replace local farmers but to provide a strategic buffer, ensuring supply chain sustainability during unforeseen events, including natural disasters.
“This reverse investment will serve as a strategic buffer to keep the supply chain stable during unforeseen shocks, with each investment implemented gradually, prudently and in the national interest,” he said.
He said the ministry was also focusing on domestic investment to boost the capacity and competitiveness of the agri-food sector.
The five strategic focuses include developing the aquaculture industry, using geographic information systems in production, corn cultivation, expanding pineapple farming and boosting domestic seed and breed production.
“Domestic investment in these priority areas is vital to strengthen local production, reduce reliance on external sources and build a more resilient and sustainable agri-food sector,” he said.
Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak said the strategy acted as a national safeguard against crises or disasters.
“In preparation for disasters, the reverse investment measures, like growing rice abroad, ensures supplies are available, if needed. Malaysia can cultivate it overseas and import it home,” he said.
