Malaysia has sufficient food supplies to last at least six months and does not need to introduce emergency measures amid concerns over possible disruptions to essential goods, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
He said the government was continuously monitoring the country’s food security to ensure essential supplies remained sufficient for Malaysians and everyone staying in the country.
“We do not see any need for such measures because our food security and stock levels are sufficient.
“We know that we have at least six months’ capacity in terms of food security,” he told reporters after attending the Malaysia-China Cooperation Meeting on Investment, Trade and Economic Empowerment on Monday.
Ahmad Zahid was responding to reports that several countries had issued advisories urging their citizens to stock up on food and essential goods in preparation for possible emergencies.
He stressed that Malaysia was not facing an emergency situation that required the public to store food and basic necessities in anticipation of a crisis.
“We are not in a state of emergency and, God willing, we are far from such a situation,” he said.
At least 33 countries worldwide have reportedly issued guidelines encouraging residents to keep supplies of food, drinking water and essential items in preparation for potential emergencies.
International media reports said the measures were introduced in response to various global threats, including armed conflicts, extreme weather, electricity supply disruptions and cyberattacks.
Among the countries stepping up public preparedness campaigns are France and the United Kingdom, which have advised residents to keep enough essential supplies to last at least 72 hours, or three days.
