Malaysians urged to grow vegetables at home as global conflicts and rising costs push food prices higher in coming months
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are being urged to grow their own vegetables to cope with rising food costs, as prices are expected to spike in the coming months amid global supply pressures.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu warned that geopolitical conflicts in West Asia are no longer a distant concern, with disruptions to global food supply chains set to directly affect households in Malaysia.
“Conflicts in the region may seem far removed, but their impact can reach our dining tables,” he said, highlighting how supply disruptions are tightening availability and driving up costs.
In a statement yesterday, Mohamad called on Malaysians to take practical steps at the household level, including cultivating basic food items at home wherever possible.
“Even with limited space, plant what you can, chillies, vegetables, salad. It may seem small, but it helps reduce dependence and benefits the family,” he said.
Mohamad added that the government will continue to strengthen the national food system to ensure sufficient supply and safeguard public access, describing it as an ongoing responsibility.
“What matters is that we all play our part. Start with what we have. God willing, small efforts today will become a stronger foundation for the future.”
The call echoes concerns raised by the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), whose natural farming coordinator N. V. Subbarow warned that a surge in vegetable prices could be imminent, driven by global conflicts, rising production costs and climate-related challenges.
“Vegetable prices are already very high, and further increases could be just around the corner. Malaysians must start growing their own vegetables instead of just complaining,” he said.
CAP cited warnings from growers in Cameron Highlands that vegetable prices could rise by up to 50% in the short term due to escalating costs linked to conflicts in the Middle East.
Prices are expected to stabilise later but remain about 30% higher than current levels.
Subbarow said farmers are under mounting pressure from rising fertiliser and transport costs, as well as increasing labour expenses as foreign workers demand higher wages.
“These factors point to a more challenging outlook for consumers in terms of food affordability,” he said.
To ease the burden, CAP is encouraging households to grow their own vegetables and herbs, even in limited spaces.
“You don’t need a large plot of land. Vegetables can be grown in soil using natural methods, which can help cut costs,” he said, adding that kitchen waste can be composted into nutrient-rich fertiliser.
Global trends further underscore the urgency.
Food and Agriculture Organization projections indicate world food demand could rise by 70% by 2050, driven largely by increasing incomes in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.
At the same time, climate crises continue to disrupt food production worldwide, with extreme weather damaging crops, livelihoods and supply chains, contributing to rising food prices and growing food insecurity.
Subbarow said fertiliser prices have surged even faster than food prices, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions including the war in Ukraine and ongoing Middle East conflicts.
“These disruptions have reduced global supplies, increased costs and threatened agricultural output,” he said, adding that higher natural gas prices directly affect fertiliser costs, which in turn threaten crop yields if usage is reduced.
“This could turn a food affordability crisis into a food availability crisis,” he warned, pointing to key staples such as maize, rice, soybean and wheat.
In response, CAP is promoting urban gardening as a practical solution.
“A wide variety of crops, including okra, brinjal, chillies and leafy greens such as sawi, kangkung, kailan and bayam, can be easily grown at home. Herbs like mint, pegaga, kesum and selom are also suitable for small-scale cultivation,” he said.
Subbarow added that household items such as milk cartons, plastic bottles and small containers can be repurposed for shallow-rooted plants, while larger containers such as biscuit tins, oil cans and water bottles are suitable for deeper-rooted crops.
“With adequate sunlight, water and compost, anyone can grow vegetables, even in small spaces such as balconies,” he said.
CAP said adopting urban gardening practices can help Malaysians better manage rising living costs while improving food security at the household level.
