KOTA KINABALU: The ongoing global energy crisis has not affected Malaysia’s food supply, but is putting pressure on higher operational and logistics costs, says Datuk Chan Foong Hin.
The Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister said disruptions in the international energy supply chain were the main cause of rising costs, particularly involving diesel.
“This situation impacts transportation and distribution sectors, which in turn influences the prices of goods, including food.
“However, the government assures that food supplies, especially rice, remain sufficient and under control,” he told reporters after inspecting the city bus operations, BAS.MY Kota Kinabalu.
“Malaysia still has rice reserves lasting up to six months, and proactive measures are being taken to increase reserves to nine months.
“For Sabah, rice supply depends on imports from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand, which are not directly affected by the conflict in the Middle East.
“Temporary shortages of certain rice types in the market are more due to panic buying by consumers.
“This situation causes subsidised imported white rice to run out quickly in the market even though overall supply remains sufficient,” he said.
Chan said while there was no issue of food shortage, consumers should avoid excessive buying that could disrupt supply stability.
The government is taking comprehensive measures to ensure long-term stability of food and energy supplies, he added.
