PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is studying the commercial potential of cultured meat and other cell-based food products as alternative protein sources as part of efforts to strengthen national food security.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the matter was among several initiatives discussed during the first 2026 executive committee meeting on the National Food Security Policy on Tuesday (June 9).
"The meeting discussed the commercial potential of cultured meat and other cell-based food products as alternative sources of meat in Malaysia," he said in a statement.
Mohamad said the initiative was being examined from technical, economic, regulatory, socio-psychological, environmental and religious perspectives, including halal certification requirements.
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The meeting was also briefed on research and development efforts involving alternative protein-based food products, he said.
Mohamad said discussions also focused on the implications of El Nino and climate change on the country's food production sector, particularly the risk of prolonged droughts that could threaten local food supplies.
"The meeting stressed the urgent need for a National Food Security Act to strengthen the country's food security framework through early warning systems, preparedness plans and targeted support for food producers," he said.
He said the proposed law would provide a legal framework for implementing early warning systems, automatic preparedness measures and mechanisms to channel financial assistance and agricultural inputs directly to key food production sectors.
The meeting also proposed integrated measures to strengthen control and monitoring of honey authenticity issues.
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Mohamad added that members discussed strategies to enhance the operations of nine Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia slipways involved in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry.
The proposed measures aim to address issues such as limited capacity, high maintenance costs, manual operating systems and a shortage of skilled workers, he said.
"Food security is a national priority that requires collective commitment," Mohamad said.
He said holistic, strategic cooperation among ministries, agencies and stakeholders was essential to ensure the sustainability of the country's food system and strengthen Malaysia's resilience against evolving global challenges.
