Deputy minister confirms no food shortage, with sufficient rice stockpiles and fertiliser supplies despite global pressures and price fluctuations.
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is not facing a food crisis and supplies remain sufficient to meet the needs of the people.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Chan Foong Hin (pic) said the country’s basic food supply remains stable following mitigation measures taken by the government, such as increasing rice stockpile reserves from six months to nine months.
“What we are seeing now is an energy crisis, not a food crisis, and food supply remains available,” he told reporters after launching the KPKM Dunia Agro+ programme here today.
Chan said supplies of other goods, such as vegetables and fruits are also adequate, although prices may fluctuate according to seasonal factors.
He said seasonal changes can cause vegetable prices to rise or fall, and the price movements are not necessarily entirely due to the global energy crisis.
At the same time, Chan assured that the country’s fertiliser supply remains sufficient for the next few months, with existing stocks expected to last beyond July despite export restrictions imposed by several countries.
Commenting on rising costs and proposals to increase the padi floor price following higher diesel prices, Chan said the government will continue to engage with all stakeholders.
However, he acknowledged that it is not an easy decision, as the government is currently bearing a heavy subsidy burden due to the global energy crisis.
“The government will not close the door on discussions, but we need to take into account the financial implications, as subsidy-related spending has now reached billions of ringgit,” he said.
Earlier, Chan launched the KPKM Dunia Agro+ programme in collaboration with Shopee, targeting 200 agro-based entrepreneurs to be empowered through digital skills and expanded access to e-commerce markets.
He said participants in food, beverages, snacks and fresh products categories will receive training and guidance, including through Shopee University, covering live streaming, product listing optimisation and online sales strategies.
In addition, a RM320,000 seller support package has also been made available to help participants improve their visibility on e-commerce platforms.
