Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the supply of basic food items including rice, chicken, vegetables and fruits is sufficient at least until May or June.
PUTRAJAYA: The public is advised not to panic as food supply in the country is guaranteed to be sufficient ahead of the Aidilfitri celebration despite the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the supply of basic food items including rice, chicken, vegetables and fruits is sufficient at least until May or June this year.
“For now, let’s not worry about anything, let’s celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri calmly with the concept of frugality as suggested by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“The supply of rice, chicken, eggs, fish, beef, buffalo, fresh milk, vegetables, fruits is sufficient at least until May and June. Therefore, the public does not need to panic,” he said.
He said this in a press conference after the Special Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister here today.
Meanwhile, Mohamad said the implementation of the MADANI Agro Sales and Rahmah Sales would continue to be enhanced to enable the people to obtain food supplies at reasonable prices.
He said the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) would also increase the quantity of vegetables and fish in the market, including through the MADANI Community initiative.
“The MADANI Community under the ministry is being held at 5,000 places and the effort would be further intensified.
“If necessary, for example, we will continue again so that it can increase the supply of food, especially in the community and regarding the increase in the price of oil, diesel and so on. God willing, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) will provide advice from time to time,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said most of Malaysia’s food imports do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz but are obtained from countries such as India, Pakistan, Brazil, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia and ASEAN.
“The problem (in Middle East) if it lasts for a long time will be the impact on transport and so on.
“Perhaps at that time there will be changes in prices and so on,” he said, adding that KPKM would seek the MOF’s views for any action.
Previously, the Prime Minister was reported to have said that a Special Cabinet Meeting was being held today to examine the country’s fiscal position and closely monitor the development of the situation in Iran following the conflict in the Middle East.
The Middle East crisis began on Feb 28 when the United States (US) and Israel attacked Iran, causing Iran to respond by attacking US interests in the region.
Iran is now also requiring tankers using the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, to obtain approval from the country and has vowed not to allow US and allied tankers to pass through the route.
