TACKLING THE FOOD SECURITY CRISIS


Collaborative efforts are critical in forming a resilient network of solutions that can feed, nourish and empower Malaysia’s most vulnerable communities,

FOOD security is under siege from multiple fronts globally.

Climate aberrations disrupt traditional farming cycles and economic fluctuations make essential groceries unaffordable for the vulnerable.

The B40 and Orang Asli communities are particularly hard-hit, facing malnutrition and resource scarcity.

In response, local organisations are pioneering sustainable agricultural practices and grassroots projects to address these challenges.

Global Peace Foundation Malaysia’s (GPFM) regenerative agroforestry project is revitalising land and livelihoods in Pahang.

It introduces sustainable farming techniques to 30 Orang Asli families in Bera and Rompin, enabling them to cultivate their sustenance while bolstering community resilience against environmental degradation and economic shocks. The project has four key goals: restoring ecosystems through food forests to mitigate deforestation, upskilling communities with regenerative practices to improve farming techniques, ensuring food security during crises and empowering communities with market access to sustain their livelihoods.

“The effects of deforestation and climate change have left many Orang Asli families vulnerable, impacting their ability to sustain themselves,” said GPFM chief executive officer Dr Teh Su Thye.

“Our project aims to restore both their land and confidence in food security.”

The Lost Food Project (TLFP) addresses food waste by redirecting surplus vegetables and fruits from Pasar Borong Kuala Lumpur to families in need.

This combats hunger while mitigating the environmental impact of food disposal, turning a potential ecological burden into a boon for community nourishment.

TLFP aims to increase the collection of surplus fresh food and provide nutritious meals to thousands of families residing in low-cost flats across Klang Valley.

Yayasan Sime Darby's RM3.34mil in funding support ensures that efforts by local organisations can mature into sustainable solutions that address immediate and long-term food security challenges.Yayasan Sime Darby's RM3.34mil in funding support ensures that efforts by local organisations can mature into sustainable solutions that address immediate and long-term food security challenges.

“Our mission at TLFP is to turn the challenge of food waste into a solution for hunger. Every kilogramme (kg) of food we rescue and distribute is a step towards reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing the vitality of our communities,” said TLFP founder Suzanne Mooney.

The University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) contributes to this collective effort through the ASSESSCROP initiative.

By focusing on underutilised crops, the initiative enhances the nutritional potential and marketability of local crops like Bambara Groundnut, Morinaga Oleifera and Millet Landrace Bario.

Working alongside Women of Will (WOW), UNM has empowered 25 B40 women entrepreneurs with new agricultural skills and sustainable business models, creating economic uplift and enhancing community well-being.

These efforts significantly increase their incomes and reinvest in community initiatives, primarily in nutritional education and outreach.

“This work in the fields, classrooms and laboratories ensures a continuous cycle of learning, application and sustainable growth, directly impacting both the livelihoods and nutritional health of our communities,” said UNM research and knowledge exchange vice-provost Prof Dr Mohd Shahir Liew.

Behind these initiatives stands Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), the philanthropic arm of Sime Darby Berhad, SD Guthrie Berhad and Sime Darby Property Berhad, with its RM3.34mil in funding support which amplifies the reach and impact of these programmes.

YSD’s funding and strategic assistance ensure that efforts by local organisations can mature into sustainable solutions that address immediate and long-term food security challenges.

“YSD is committed to contributing to Malaysia’s resilience in food security and environmental sustainability,” said YSD chief executive officer Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin.

“Through strategic collaborations that leverage the unique strengths of each partner, we not only address immediate needs, by rescuing surplus food from ending up in landfills to nourish the needy, but also enhance environmental contingency planning by supporting research and the adoption of climate-resilient crops, alongside promoting sustainable agricultural practices to support the underprivileged.

“These initiatives are key to our mission of fostering long-term environmental stewardship while empowering communities and improving livelihoods across Malaysia.”

Distribution of nutritious surplus food to support families in need at PPR Kerinchi in Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur.Distribution of nutritious surplus food to support families in need at PPR Kerinchi in Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur.

With YSD’s support, GPFM has conducted 400 personalised coaching sessions for Orang Asli farmers, boosting their confidence in food security from 36% to 78%.

Currently, half of their harvest is utilised for personal consumption, with the remainder earmarked for commercialisation, marking a shift towards self-sufficiency and economic independence. TLFP has turned a critical food wastage crisis into an opportunity by redirecting 3.8 million kg of surplus food – equivalent to 10.8 million meals – from landfills to the tables of over 124,000 families.

With YSD, the initiative is feeding the hungry while preventing nearly 9.5 million kg of greenhouse gas from entering the atmosphere, laying the groundwork for a replicable model of sustainable waste management nationwide.

The UNM-YSD food processing pilot facility, launched in September last year, is now an important resource for researchers and students. It serves as a hub for developing and scaling food-related initiatives, bridging academic research with practical application.

As Malaysia confronts these complex challenges, collaborative efforts are critical in forming a resilient network of solutions that can feed, nourish and empower Malaysia’s most vulnerable communities, while influencing national policies and contributing to global food security dialogues.

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