HULU LANGAT, March 15 — The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS) will seek the views and advice of the Finance Ministry (MOF) and the Economy Ministry to devise a specific strategy to address the impact of rising global oil prices on the country's food sector.
Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said that although Malaysia's food import logistics routes are not directly affected by the current conflict in the Middle East, the uncertainty of world oil prices is expected to still have an impact on the chain in the coming months.
"...the oil price problem and its implications will not have an impact now, possibly in the coming months. We will listen to the advice and views of the Ministry of Finance and Economy in formulating a strategy at that time," he told the media during the Langek Kacau Dodol MADANI 101 Kawah programme at Padang Stadium Mini Pekan Batu 14 last night.
Earlier, Mohamad said the MAFS would re-analyse the country's food supply stock after May, following geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
He added that, currently, the supply of basic food, including rice, chicken, and vegetables, is adequate at least until May, and people are advised not to panic-buy.
Meanwhile, in the face of any potential chain of economic effects, the government would seek to channel aid by planting seeds to support people's self-sufficiency.
"This is so that we can be self-sufficient, and if possible, also help other friends. This is not a panic situation, just a normal practice, so that the existing flower plants can be changed to vegetable plants.
"That is if the situation happens to help in a small way, as it was also implemented in the 'Green Book' during the time of the late Tun Abdul Razak (1970-1976)," Mohamad said.
