KUALA LUMPUR: The government has increased the country's rice reserve stock to 300,000 metric tonnes as an early measure against potential supply disruptions arising from the global energy crisis, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said the move aims to ensure rice supply remains sufficient and secure, while safeguarding the basic needs of the people.
"The government is constantly monitoring the situation and continues to work hard to ensure everyone's basic needs are well taken care of. At the same time, Bang Mat wants to invite all citizens to continue practising thrift and avoid wastage," he said.
"All these efforts are to ensure the nation's food security remains strong, and that every citizen continues to enjoy sufficient and secure supplies," he added in a Facebook post Monday (April 20).
On March 13, Mohamad was reported as saying that the government agreed to increase the national rice reserve stock to cover a period of nine months, as a precautionary step to ensure food supply security amid geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East. - Bernama
