SHAH ALAM, July 2 — Malaysia has more than six months’ stock of rice, and will increase reserves to up to nine months to strengthen food security amid global uncertainties, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
He said the larger buffer would be built through stocks held by Padiberas Nasional Bhd (BERNAS) and local suppliers to ensure sufficient supply.
He added that the government would keep up targeted subsidies and aid for farmers to sustain domestic food production despite rising costs.
“We take into account the production costs of goods that can be produced locally. That is why the subsidy schemes we provide are targeted at those in this sector,” he said during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said this includes aid under BUDI Agro-Komoditi, under which farmers and smallholders receive RM200 more to offset their higher operating costs.
“This ensures they can continue maintaining domestic production,” Amir Hamzah said.
