KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has sufficient food supply capacity for at least six months and sees no need for emergency stockpiling measures despite concerns over potential disruptions to essential supplies, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the government continued to ensure national food security and adequate supplies of essential goods for Malaysians and others residing in the country.
"We see no need for such measures because our food security and stock levels are sufficient.
"We know that we have the capacity to sustain food security for at least six months," he told reporters after attending the Malaysia-China Cooperation Meeting on Investment, Trade and Economic Empowerment here Monday (Nov 2).
Ahmad Zahid was responding to reports that several countries had advised their citizens to stockpile food and essential supplies in preparation for possible emergencies.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that Malaysia was not facing an emergency that would require the public to stock up on basic necessities.
"We are not in a state of emergency and, Insya-Allah, we are far from such a situation," he said.
Previously, at least 33 countries were reportedly issuing preparedness guidelines encouraging citizens to keep emergency supplies of food, drinking water and other essentials.
According to international media reports, the advisories were prompted by various global threats, including armed conflicts, extreme weather, power outages and cyberattacks.
Among the countries stepping up preparedness campaigns are France and the United Kingdom, which have advised households to maintain at least 72 hours, or three days, of essential supplies. - Bernama
