Stocks will be continuously reassessed, says Mat Sabu
SHAH ALAM: The country’s food stocks will be reassessed after May following geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (pic).
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister has given his assurance that there is sufficient supply for basic food items including rice, chicken and vegetables for the next two months.
He advised the people not to engage in panic buying.
“We will monitor developments (in supply stocks) from time to time until May. We hope the war will end soon,” he told reporters after launching the Agro Madani sales programme, Bernama reported.
Mohamad also said the government will continue monitoring the country’s food supply chain.
This is to prevent cartel activity amid global geopolitical tensions that could influence market prices, he added.
He said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will be doing the monitoring to ensure no parties take advantage of the situation or manipulate supply prices.
On Friday, the government has guaranteed an ample supply of rice and essential foodstuffs, particularly for the Hari Raya celebration.
The Cabinet approved an extension of national rice stockpiles to bolster food security. Reserves have been increased to cover a nine-month period.
On Agro Madani, Mohamad said the programme was organised by the Selangor Farmers’ Organisa-tion Authority, in collaboration with 14 area farmers’ organisations across the state, offering a wide range of agricultural produce directly to consumers.
This is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the national food security agenda while helping the public cope with the rising cost of living, he said.
“Visitors can obtain daily necessities such as fresh chicken, eggs, meat, cooking oil, vegetables, fruits, as well as agro-based industry products at 10% to 30% discounts compared with current market prices.”
