PETALING JAYA: Putrajaya has urged the public to refrain from excessive stockpiling, assuring that Malaysia’s food supply remains stable and sufficient in the near term despite ongoing global disruptions.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (pic) said the country has adequate rice supplies to last until the end of the year, supported by an increase in buffer stock levels to 300,000 metric tonnes.
“So far, our country’s food supply remains under control and stable in the short term,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He said the government remains vigilant in managing food security and is committed to minimising the impact of global uncertainties on the rakyat.
“There is no need to panic, and there is no need to stockpile excessively.
“The government remains alert and is doing its best to ensure the people are not affected,” he said.
Mohamad expressed confidence that Malaysia can weather the current challenges through coordinated efforts between the government, industry players and the public.
On protein sources, he said that Malaysia has achieved near self-sufficiency in chicken and egg production.
However, he acknowledged that the country remains dependent on imports for key animal feed components such as corn and soybean, an issue the ministry is working to address progressively.
Efforts are also underway to improve the supply and management of fresh produce, with the ministry coordinating planting schedules among farmers and strengthening the contract farming system to ensure more consistent output while safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods, he said.
Mohamad also said the fisheries sector continues to face challenges from the El Nino weather phenomenon and rising diesel costs, which affect catch yields and operating expenses.
To mitigate this, Mohamad said the government is intensifying aquaculture development as an alternative source to maintain an adequate fish supply.
