Current policy fragmentation leaves nation exposed during emergencies, warns economist
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has no shortage of food-related policies, yet an expert opined that the absence of a single, legally binding framework continues to leave the country exposed during emergencies — a concern that is becoming harder to ignore as climate disruptions and global supply tensions intensify
The push for a National Food Security Act by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu comes amid growing concerns over El Nino-driven droughts, flooding and global food supply disruptions.
Universiti Putra Malaysia agricultural economist Prof Datuk Dr Mad Nasir Shamsudin said Malaysia’s food governance architecture is currently spread across multiple policies and agencies, but lacks statutory coordination.
“Malaysia’s food security strategy is primarily driven by the National Food Security Policy 2030 and the National Agrofood Policy 2021–2030.
“Thus, Malaysia does not lack food policies. But the main issue is it lacks a legally binding framework that integrates and coordinates them,” he told theSun.
He said responsibilities are currently distributed across multiple ministries, including the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Health Ministry, Finance Ministry, state authorities and disaster management agencies.
“In the event of disruptions such as pandemics, export bans, extreme weather events or supply chain shocks, coordination can be slow because no single law mandates how these agencies must act collectively.”
Mad Nasir added that the current system relies heavily on administrative mechanisms rather than legal obligations, particularly in data sharing and crisis response.
“There is no statutory requirement for agencies to collect, integrate and share food security intelligence, climate data, production forecasts, import risks or stock levels.”
He said a proposed Act would formalise coordination and strengthen crisis preparedness.
He added that repeated global shocks from pandemics, wars and climate events have elevated food security into a national security concern.
“Food security should increasingly be treated as a national security issue alongside defence and energy security.
“Disruptions in food supply can threaten economic stability, social cohesion, public welfare and political stability, as seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, export restrictions on staple foods, geopolitical conflicts and climate-related shocks,” he said.
Food security, he added, should also be viewed alongside water security as a core pillar of national resilience.
The urgency of reform, he said, is underscored by Malaysia’s exposure to global food shocks, with the country remaining a price taker for several key commodities.
“Malaysia imports large volumes of rice, wheat, beef, dairy products and animal feed ingredients such as corn and soybean meal, limiting its influence over global pricing.
“Malaysia is not completely at the mercy of external suppliers, but for several key food commodities, it is largely a price taker rather than a price maker.”
He warned that global shocks such as El Nino events and geopolitical tensions could significantly disrupt feed supply chains, pushing up production costs and consumer prices.
“The country imports virtually all of its grain corn requirements and a substantial proportion of its soybean meal needs, which are key ingredients in livestock and poultry feed.
“Consequently, this will raise feed costs, increase poultry production expenses, and ultimately contribute to higher food prices for consumers.”
On response capacity, Mad Nasir said Malaysia can manage short-term disruptions through buffer stocks and alternative sourcing, but structural weaknesses become more apparent during prolonged crises.
“If a major food-exporting country imposes sudden export restrictions, Malaysia can respond relatively quickly in the initial stages.
“However, the effectiveness depends on the availability of alternative suppliers and the duration of the disruption.”
He stressed that a meaningful Act must go beyond policy statements.
“It should establish a comprehensive governance framework, mandate inter-agency coordination and data sharing, and provide legal authority for early warning systems, strategic reserves and emergency response mechanisms.”
