Academics urge Malaysia to enhance domestic food production and reduce import reliance exceeding 50% due to prolonged West Asia geopolitical crisis
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s long-term national food security strategy requires enhancement to reduce dependence on imports, which currently exceed 50%.
This urgent need follows uncertainties caused by the ongoing geopolitical conflict in West Asia, according to academics.
University of Malaya’s Asia-Europe Institute executive director Rajah Rasiah said Malaysia has been a net food importer since 1989.
He stated the current crisis should catalyse the government to intensify domestic food production for a sustainable supply.
“We must return to practices introduced by Abdul Razak Hussein (through the Green Book Programme) so that intensive food production can be increased,” he said.
Rasiah appeared as a guest on the Ruang Bicara programme broadcast on Bernama TV.
He added that Malaysia cannot be in a position where its food production capacity declines.
The professor noted Malaysia’s position as a net exporter of oil and gas provides an advantage against rising global energy prices.
This allows the country to maintain economic stability compared to other energy-importing nations.
He added that sound economic management and export surpluses provide a strong foundation to weather the prolonged crisis.
Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Centre for Research in Development, Social and Environment professor Novel Lyndon suggested the government examine the conflict’s short-, medium-, and long-term impacts.
He said communication between the government and the public must be clearer to avoid excessive anxiety.
“Panic buying should not happen because our country is well managed,” Lyndon said.
He emphasised the government’s first task is to ensure clear communication with the people.
