Malaysia Strengthens ASEAN Food Security Cooperation In Special AMAF Meeting

PUTRAJAYA, May 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is committed to strengthening the resilience of ASEAN's food supply and regional cooperation in facing global uncertainties that could affect the agriculture, trade and basic food input sectors.

Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said this at the Special Meeting of ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) held virtually on April 29, to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East and their impact on regional food security.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) in a statement today said that Malaysia supports ASEAN's joint efforts to enhance technical cooperation, capacity building, and investment in sustainable, inclusive, climate-resilient and regenerative agricultural systems.

"KPKM emphasised that stronger cross-sectoral coordination within ASEAN is crucial for addressing interrelated challenges involving energy security, fertiliser supply, logistics, and food security in a comprehensive and organised manner," according to the statement.

According to the KPKM, the meeting also designated the ASEAN Secretariat as the coordination centre to liaise with stakeholders, dialogue partners and relevant sectoral working groups.

In addition, Malaysia also shared domestic preparedness measures in managing external risks, including the activation of crisis management mechanisms, weekly monitoring meetings between ministries, and close coordination led by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to ensure food supply remains stable and inflationary pressures can be controlled.

"The priority commodities that are closely monitored include chicken and eggs, selected vegetables, fishery products and rice, while key risk factors such as diesel supply, fertiliser availability, and livestock feed costs are continuously assessed from time to time," said the statement.

KPKM remains committed to implementing proactive planning, targeted interventions, and strengthening ASEAN cooperation to ensure regional food security, protect supply chains, and provide long-term benefits to the people of ASEAN.

-- BERNAMA