FAMA Assures Stable Supply Of Raw Materials, Vegetables During Monsoon

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) has assured that the supply of raw materials and vegetables will remain stable and sufficient throughout the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season, which coincides with the rainy period and possible floods.

FAMA chairman Aminuddin Zulkipli said the prices of these supplies were also expected to remain relatively low, as there was sufficient production of raw materials and vegetables.

He said the agency was collaborating with importers to increase stock availability, while FAMA had also made the necessary supply preparations.

"Overall, the supply is stable and sufficient. We anticipate that rain or floods may occur in the East Coast, but not in other areas such as the West Coast. Hence, there will be inter-regional supply support — for instance, if there is a shortage in one area, we will source from another to ensure adequacy.

"So far, preparations are about 80 per cent complete, with assistance from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) for emergency situations. We just hope there will not be simultaneous heavy rains and floods in both coasts," he told reporters here today.

Aminuddin was met after officiating the Food and Agro-Based Industry Carnival (IMAT) at Padang Kota here, which was officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and also attended by FAMA director-general Abdul Rashid Bahri.

MTL 2025/2026 is expected to begin next month and last until March 2026, with the monsoon transition phase forecast between late October and November.

The country is expected to experience increased thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds, especially in the evenings and at night, which could affect the supply of raw materials and vegetables.

Meanwhile, commenting on IMAT, Aminuddin said Penang was the second state to host the carnival after Sabah, with a targeted sales value of RM700,000 and 15,000 visitors expected.

He said the carnival served as a platform for consumers to access local products while helping entrepreneurs expand market networks and generate economic activity in the state.

"The carnival, a flagship programme of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and FAMA, aims to enhance entrepreneurship, competitiveness and youth participation in agro-marketing.

"It also showcases business and technological opportunities in food processing, with upcoming editions planned in Sarawak and Selangor," he said.

Aminuddin said through IMAT, FAMA was also establishing a marketing network for agrofood products to increase the income of target groups, entrepreneurs, farmers, breeders, retailers, wholesalers and exporters.

At the event, 12 entrepreneurs received FAMA grants and assistance worth RM375,030, comprising the Young Agropreneur Grant (six recipients), Rezeki Tani assistance (five recipients) and the Agrotourism Grant (one recipient).

-- BERNAMA