PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s food supply remains stable despite escalating tensions between Iran and the United States as Malaysia sources most of its food imports from multiple sources, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (pic).
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said the ongoing Middle East conflict has not affected Malaysia’s food security as the supply comes from countries such as India, Pakistan, Asean members, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Argentina.
“In that region, our involvement is mostly in exports, especially to Dubai and nearby countries.
“So far, our food security has not been affected,” he told reporters after attending the Ihya Ramadan programme with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the ministry’s staff here yesterday.
Iran’s closure of the Hormuz Strait has sent shock waves across global energy markets.
Located between Oman and Iran, the strait is a vital artery for global oil trade. However, Mohamad popularly known as Mat Sabu, warned that the conflict’s duration remains uncertain.
“If it prolongs and oil prices increase, it could push up the cost of imported goods,” he said, adding that essential food items in Malaysia are not yet significantly affected because the countries in the conflict area, especially around the Gulf, are not major food suppliers to Malaysia.
He added that the government has put in place a mitigation plan if the situation worsens.
On the possible increase in oil prices, he believed the Finance and Economy ministries will provide their views on the matter.
“For now, fertiliser prices are also not affected because we do not obtain those materials from the countries involved in the conflict,” he said.
In terms of rice supply, Mat Sabu said Malaysia has a buffer that enables it to withstand five months without rice imports.
“If we include the stock available in retail shops, the total supply would be enough for about seven months,” he said.
The Ihya programme is part of the ministry’s initiative to strengthen act of worship and foster spiritual values in the workplace throughout Ramadan.
