Melaka Intensifies Food Security Efforts Amid Global Supply Uncertainty

By Melaka Intensifies Food Security Efforts Amid Global Supply Uncertainty

MELAKA,  April 27  (Bernama) — Melaka is stepping up efforts to strengthen its food production sector to reduce reliance on imports amid growing global supply uncertainties stemming from the ongoing West Asian crisis.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the state’s domestic food supply remains sufficient, stable and under control, but stressed that the state government is taking proactive measures to ensure continued food security and shield the rakyat from potential disruptions.

“The state government is committed to fully utilising domestic food resources. Key measures include an allocation of RM6.42 million under the National Agro-Food Programme for 10 projects involving food production, livestock and fisheries.

“In addition, RM2.08 million has been allocated under the 12th Malaysia Plan to boost local production, while RM1.2 million has been earmarked for the livestock sector,” he said when tabling the Motion of Thanks on the speech by the Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam at the State Assembly sitting today.

Ab Rauf also said the state aims to expand rice production following the distribution of 44 metric tonnes of Melaka Rice by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority between January and March, generating sales worth RM114.4 million.

He expressed confidence that padi production in the state would reach 7,000 metric tonnes by the end of this year.

To further support the sector, he said, the state government is rolling out a range of long-term incentives for farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen to ensure the continued resilience and sustainability of the agro-food industry.

Among the measures under consideration is an RM30 incentive for every 0.4 hectares cultivated to help rice farmers offset machinery operating costs.

Also, RM900,000 has been allocated to upgrade infrastructure for fishermen, while RM1 million will be used to provide fishing equipment, with full distribution expected by the third quarter of 2026, he said.

Ab Rauf said the state government is also continuing initiatives to ease the cost of living, including the sale of chickens at affordable prices ranging from RM5 to RM10 each, with  25,000 chickens already sold at RM5 each in the Masjid Tanah parliamentary constituency alone.

Ab Rauf said the state is also reviewing its expenditure priorities to focus on essential and critical needs.

“For this administration, food security and the well-being of the people are fundamental responsibilities of a government that serves its rakyat,” he said.

— BERNAMA