KPKM Steps Up Efforts To Strengthen National Food Supply Chain

TASEK GELUGOR, May 8 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) is intensifying long-term efforts to reduce Malaysia’s dependence on imported food amid global geopolitical uncertainties that could disrupt supply chains and drive up costs.

Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the ministry is targeting 30 per cent of the country’s grain corn requirements through local production by 2030, including via the development of more than 2,000 hectares of corn cultivation in Perlis, scheduled to be launched this month.

He said KPKM is also expanding large-scale onion cultivation involving the Farmers’ Organisation Authority (LPP) and related agencies, to meet 30 per cent of local supply within four years.

Mohamad said Malaysia currently relies almost entirely on imports for corn and soybeans, key components in animal feed that influence chicken and egg prices when global prices increase.

He said heavy reliance on imports causes farmers’ costs to rise during global price hikes, while increases in fuel and fertiliser prices also raise operating costs for fishermen and farmers.

“Although the causes may be beyond our control, the government cannot wash its hands of the matter. The government must continue working, stay prepared and ensure sufficient food supply,” he said after officiating the MADANI Adopted Village and MADANI Adopted School programmes at Kampung Guar Petai here today.

Mohamad said prices of key food items, including chicken, eggs and rice, remain under control, but the government will continue to monitor the situation, including possible price manipulation if import costs rise.

He said the country’s food supply remains stable, with the national rice buffer stock standing at around 300,000 tonnes, while chicken and egg supply levels are also at satisfactory self-sufficiency rates.

On concerns raised by padi farmers over rising cultivation costs, Mohamad said the ministry continues to consider feedback from farmers, including issues related to ploughing costs and agricultural inputs.

He said the government had previously approved RM200 in assistance for initial ploughing work to help ease the burden on padi farmers.

-- BERNAMA