KUALA LUMPUR: The government is discussing steps to resolve the restrictions on Malaysian shrimp exports to Thailand that have been ongoing since 2017, as well as the pending application for market access for the country's livestock products to Thailand since 2024.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said that the matter was among those discussed at the National Food Security Council Meeting No. 1 of 2026, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday (July 15).
Mohamad said the meeting also discussed the Thai shrimp import restrictions to Malaysia which came into effect from June 1, as well as strict inspections of Malaysia's siakap (barramundi) exports to that country.
At the same time, he said the government is aware of the implications of the El Nino phenomenon and climate change on the risk of prolonged drought that could threaten the local food production sector.
"In light of the challenges posed by the crisis, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has provided various prevention, adaptation, and protection strategies for agricultural sector entrepreneurs," he said in a statement Thursday (July 16).
According to him, the meeting aims to set a more comprehensive direction for the country's food security, in addition to recommending high-impact strategies to address various issues in the agri-food sector.
He said that among the other initiatives discussed were the feasibility and proposed direction for the production of alternative protein sources in Malaysia, efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of the local agricultural industry, and strategies to enhance the services and operations of the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) slipway.
Mohamad said the meeting was also informed about the organisation of the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-tourism Exhibition (MAHA 2026) from Aug 28 to Sept 6 this year at the Malaysian Agricultural Expo Park (MAEPS) Serdang.
He said the biennial event is the country's main platform in driving the transformation of the agri-food sector to a more dynamic level.
"Food security is a national priority that requires collective commitment. Therefore, the implementation of holistic strategic cooperation among all parties is crucial to ensure the sustainability of the national food system, thereby ensuring Malaysia remains resilient in facing the dynamic global challenges," he added. - Bernama
