We all know that Malaysia might just be few thousands kilometers away from India and Pakistan. However, the recent conflict between India-Pakistan conflict have caused a rising sensation in the global aspect. Little do we know, our national staple, rice, is also in danger.
According to The Straits Times, close to 40% of Malaysia's rice are imported from these two countries, as highlighted by Agriculture Minister Mohamad Sabus. Hence, any escalation in hostility, blocked ports, rerouted shipping lanes, price spikes can butterfly effect directly into the homes of Malaysian.
Rice is not just a food, it is stability in asian countries. It feeds families, fuels workers, and keeps our markets steady.
Malaysia would need to look for alternatives if the tension continues or increases, If the tensions increases into open hostilities, Malaysia may need to find substitutes. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia could be an alternative, but the pricing and volume might no be able to match up to India and Pakistan.
Traders and consumers will feel the change. Even speculation and market nervousness can push prices up. Mydin’s boss, Ameer Ali, points out that speculation, not stock shortages, is already driving prices higher.
This means Malaysians need to prepare both mentally and financially by considering an alternative way or adopt another strategy such as pantry management.
In conclusion, this is all about resilience. Malaysia has to stop be dependent on imported goods and start producing our own food, whether through local collaborations , strategic stocks, or even local manufacturing.
Despite the negotiations and reducing tensions, the best food security can be our own rice field and pantries against the world shocks.
In this times and era of uncertainty, we dont know what will be happening tomorrow. Hence, growing our own food is not just about another backup plan, but a long-term solution for sustainability and survival.
Lim Jiaxin (j21035423@student.newinti.edu.my) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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