KUALA LUMPUR: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is intensifying efforts to reduce reliance on imported agricultural inputs by strengthening domestic production to mitigate the impact of global geopolitical uncertainties.
Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hing said the move was crucial to ensure the national food supply chain remained resilient against external disruptions, as domestic production could still be affected by global developments even when supplies of a particular commodity were sufficient.
Citing the poultry sector, which is currently stable, as an example, he said its sustainability remained dependent on certain agricultural inputs that were largely imported.
"Although we do not have an issue with chicken supply, its production depends on agricultural inputs that must be imported, and this requires proper planning to reduce import reliance,” he said on Wednesday (Aug 19).
Chan said lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the crisis in West Asia had shown that a country’s food security was closely linked to its ability to produce its own food.
He said although global fertiliser prices had been affected by supply chain disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Malaysia was currently in a stable position and had not experienced fuel supply disruptions that could affect agricultural activities.
Chan added that the current geopolitical uncertainties highlighted the importance of strengthening food security, as any disruption to supplies would directly affect people regardless of their economic status.
"Therefore, the involvement of more people in the agricultural sector must be encouraged, including the younger generation, who can explore employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the industry,” he said.
Chan said the ministry would also focus on several strategic areas, including the cultivation of grain corn and onions, as well as efforts to increase padi productivity through stronger support for farmers.
"We want to develop varieties that are more drought-resistant and suited to the anticipated El Niño phenomenon, in addition to ensuring a good irrigation system,” he said. – Bernama
