The government has reassured Malaysians that the nation’s rice supply remains sufficient after the Cabinet agreed to increase the national stockpile to cover up to nine months amid uncertainties stemming from the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, said the move is a proactive measure to safeguard the supply of essential food items should tensions between the United States and Iran persist.
“At present, there is no need for the public to worry. Supplies of rice, chicken, eggs, fish, and meat are adequate at least until May or June,” he said at a press conference following a special Cabinet meeting on the conflict’s impact on the economy. Ministers Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan were also present.
Mohamad added that the government is encouraging citizens to plant fast-growing crops such as chilli, eggplant, and chives in terrace house compounds to boost domestic food production.
“I will instruct officers at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security who live on landed properties to start planting fast-yield crops like chilli, eggplant, and chives,” he said, noting that the initiative draws inspiration from the Green Book Campaign introduced by the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein to promote public participation in strengthening food security.
He urged the public not to speculate about food prices or availability, assuring that the government is closely monitoring the situation and implementing necessary interventions.
“For now, Malaysians can celebrate Aidilfitri as usual. Insya-Allah, our food supply is sufficient and well-secured,” he said.
