PUTRAJAYA, April 16 — Malaysia is not facing a food crisis, and supplies remain sufficient to meet the people's needs.
Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the country’s basic food supply remains stable following government mitigation measures, such as increasing rice stockpile reserves from six months to nine months.
“What we are seeing now is an energy crisis, not a food crisis, and food supply remains available,” he told the media after launching the MAFS Dunia Agro+ programme today.
Chan added that supplies of other goods, such as vegetables and fruit, are also adequate, although prices may fluctuate with seasonal factors.
Seasonal changes can cause vegetable prices to rise or fall, and the price movements are not necessarily entirely due to the global energy crisis.
He also assured that the country’s fertiliser supply remains sufficient for the next few months, with existing stocks expected to last beyond July despite export restrictions imposed by several countries.
Commenting on rising costs and proposals to increase the padi floor price following higher diesel prices, Chan said the government will continue to engage with all stakeholders.
However, he acknowledged that it is not an easy decision, as the government is currently bearing a heavy subsidy burden due to the global energy crisis.
“The government will not close the door on discussions, but we need to take into account the financial implications, as subsidy-related spending has now reached billions of ringgit,” Chan said.
Earlier, the deputy minister launched the MAFS Dunia Agro+ programme in collaboration with Shopee, targeting 200 agro-based entrepreneurs to be empowered through digital skills and expanded access to e-commerce markets.
He said participants in the food, beverages, snacks, and fresh products categories will receive training and guidance, including through Shopee University, covering live streaming, product listing optimisation, and online sales strategies.
In addition, a RM320,000 seller support package has also been made available to help participants improve their visibility on e-commerce platforms.
