PUTRAJAYA, March 13 — The public is advised not to panic as food supply in the country is guaranteed to be sufficient ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration despite the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the supply of basic food items including rice, chicken, vegetables, and fruits is sufficient at least until May or June this year.
"For now, let us not worry about anything, let us celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri calmly with the concept of frugality as suggested by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"The supply of rice, chicken, eggs, fish, beef, buffalo, fresh milk, vegetables, fruits is sufficient at least until May and June. Therefore, the public does not need to panic," he said.
Mohamad was speaking at a media conference after the special Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister today.
Meanwhile, he said the implementation of the MADANI Agro Sales and Rahmah Sales will continue to be enhanced to enable the people to obtain food supplies at reasonable prices.
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS) will also increase the quantity of vegetables and fish in the market, including through the MADANI Community initiative.
“The MADANI Community under the ministry is being held at 5,000 places and the effort would be further intensified.
“If necessary, for example, we will continue again so that it can increase the supply of food, especially in the community and regarding the increase in the price of oil, diesel and so on. God willing, the Finance Ministry (MOF) will provide advice from time to time,” Mohamad said.
Meanwhile, most of the nation's food imports do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz but are obtained from countries like India, Pakistan, Brazil, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, and ASEAN.
"The problem (in Middle East) if it lasts for a long time will be the impact on transport and so on.
"Perhaps at that time there will be changes in prices and so on," he said, adding that the MAFS will seek the MOF's views for any action.
Previously, Anwar said that a special Cabinet meeting would be held today to examine the country's fiscal position and closely monitor the development of the situation in Iran following the conflict in the Middle East.
The Middle East crisis began on February 28 when the United States (US) and Israel attacked Iran, causing Iran to respond by attacking US interests in the region.
Iran is now also requiring tankers using the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, to obtain approval from the country and has vowed not to allow US and allied tankers to pass through the route.
