DKMN 2030 Important Foundation To Ensure Food Security For Next Five Years - Mohamad Sabu

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- The National Food Security Policy 2030 (DKMN 2030) is an important foundation for the government to ensure the country's ability to guarantee food supply in the next five years, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

The minister said the policy framework was drafted in line with the need to address current challenges, including global geopolitical uncertainties that have a direct impact on the food supply chain.

He said the main focus of the policy is to preserve the people's purchasing power, reduce dependence on imports and increase exports.

“What we are focusing on are two main matters -- maintaining the people’s purchasing power and finding ways to reduce imports,” he told reporters after the launch of DKMN 2030 by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof today.

Mohamad said there is also a need to introduce smart farming approaches, particularly in the rice sector, given that the country's current level of rice self-sufficiency is at a worrying level.

“Our level of rice sufficiency is only about 50 per cent. It's extremely unsafe if something happens abroad," he said.

The issue of development pressure and the provision of agricultural areas, particularly padi fields, is being discussed with state governments to increase domestic production, he said.

Meanwhile, Mohamad said the issue of food waste is also among the main focuses under the policy, with awareness campaigns to be carried out jointly involving various ministries.

He said the country is lagging behind Japan and neighbouring Thailand in terms of efforts to reduce food waste.

Earlier in his speech, Mohamad said DKMN 2030 was launched as a response to the need for a clear and long-term direction.

He also said the objectives encompass not only food availability and production, but also food safety and quality, accessibility, stability, and environmental sustainability in strengthening the country's food system.

He added that DKMN 2030 is being driven through an approach based on four main missions, including creating efficient and productive agriculture and building a sustainable and resilient agrifood system.

-- BERNAMA