Tag: Food Security

Mohamad Sabu Highlights Iran’s Food Security Model at Cabinet Meeting

PUTRAJAYA, July 8 -- Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu shared insights from his recent official visit to Iran during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, highlighting the country's success in strengthening its food security despite facing years of economic pressure and international sanctions. Mohamad, popularly known as Mat Sabu, said Iran's experience demonstrated that a nation could build a resilient food system through proper planning, sustained investment in the agricultural sector and strong government commitment. He said the lessons from Iran underscored the importance of long-term strategies to ensure food production remains sustainable and capable of withstanding external challenges. Mohamad stressed that Malaysia must continue enhancing its national food security to ensure sufficient and stable food supplies while reducing dependence on imported food sources. He said strengthening the agriculture sector remains a key priority in safeguarding the country's food supply and ensuring greater resilience against global uncertainties. The minister added that the government would continue pursuing initiatives aimed at improving domestic food production and reinforcing Malaysia's food security agenda for the benefit of the people. -- MINUTESMY

PUTRAJAYA, July 8 — Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu shared insights from his recent official visit to Iran during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, highlighting the country’s success in strengthening its food security despite facing years of economic pressure and international sanctions. Mohamad, popularly known as Mat Sabu, said Iran’s experience demonstrated that […]

Food Security Act expected to be tabled next year – Mohamad Sabu

KLANG, JUNE 20 -- The National Food Security Act is expected to be tabled in Parliament next year, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He said the drafting of the act, which among other things aims to ensure the stability of the country's food supply, is currently being detailed before it can be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat. "Our Food Security Act is being drafted now and it is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and we are discussing that, God willing, it will be presented next year," he said. He said this at a press conference after the Opening Ceremony of the Road To MAHA 2026 Central Zone Programme, here today. Previously, Mohamad was reported to have said that the matter needed to be expedited to ensure the country's food supply was secured following the threat of the El Nino phenomenon and climate change which risked threatening the local food production sector. He said the act would ensure that the country had an early warning system, an automated preparedness plan and a more effective aid distribution mechanism for the food production sector. -- BERNAMA

KLANG, JUNE 20 — The National Food Security Act is expected to be tabled in Parliament next year, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He said the drafting of the act, which among other things aims to ensure the stability of the country’s food supply, is currently being detailed before it […]

Diesel Fleet Card Proposal For 17,000 Agri-Providers To Go To MTEN

PUTRAJAYA, May 25 -- The government will table a proposal at the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) to extend the subsidised diesel fleet card system to 17,000 agricultural machinery service providers in a bid to lower paddy cultivation costs. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the proposed initiative involves an allocation of about RM200 million. He said the proposal covers agricultural machinery operators, including those providing tractor, harvester, and fertiliser spreader services, who play an essential role in the country’s paddy cultivation chain. "The majority of paddy farmers rely on these agricultural service providers. Therefore, this matter will be brought to MTEN," he told reporters after launching the Kebuniti Agriculture Information Centre, known as Gardentopia, here today. Mohamad said the move was proposed following an increase in operational costs, particularly diesel costs, which affected machinery service providers and, indirectly, burdened paddy farmers. Malaysian Farmers' Brotherhood Organisation (PeSAWAH) chairman Abdul Rashid Yob reportedly said that paddy farmers are currently struggling with rising operational costs, which have dampened their motivation to continue cultivation. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 25 — The government will table a proposal at the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) to extend the subsidised diesel fleet card system to 17,000 agricultural machinery service providers in a bid to lower paddy cultivation costs. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the proposed initiative involves an allocation […]

M’sia, NZ To Enhance Agricultural Cooperation Amid Global Supply Uncertainties

PUTRAJAYA, May 23 -- Malaysia and New Zealand have expressed commitment to enhancing cooperation to address the global fuel supply crisis and food supply chain uncertainties, including strategic collaboration on critical agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, dairy products and grains. In addition, Malaysia expressed confidence in New Zealand’s regulatory system for agricultural products and encouraged the country to explore opportunities for sharing expertise in the field. The matter was highlighted during a courtesy call by New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia Michael Walsh on Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak here yesterday. The meeting followed an earlier discussion held in September 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral agricultural trade relations between Malaysia and New Zealand. KPKM said in a statement today that New Zealand also offered capacity-building opportunities for KPKM officers through the ASEAN-New Zealand Manaaki Scholarship, in addition to existing cooperation under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Committee of the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (MNZFTA). Isham also invited New Zealand to participate in the 2026 Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA), scheduled to take place from Aug 28 to Sept 6, in Serdang under the theme “Value Creation for Food Security”. Agricultural trade between Malaysia and New Zealand totalled RM5.57 billion in 2025, with Malaysia’s exports comprising animal feed ingredients, while major imports from New Zealand consisted of dairy products. Dairy products remained New Zealand’s largest export component to Malaysia, contributing about 75 per cent of total bilateral trade in the sector. In addition, the two countries continue to maintain close cooperation through regional and multilateral platforms, including the MNZFTA and the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area. Malaysia and New Zealand will also celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, May 23 — Malaysia and New Zealand have expressed commitment to enhancing cooperation to address the global fuel supply crisis and food supply chain uncertainties, including strategic collaboration on critical agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, dairy products and grains. In addition, Malaysia expressed confidence in New Zealand’s regulatory system for agricultural products and encouraged […]

ASEAN Must Remain United in Facing Global Crises – PM Anwar Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s strong commitment to strengthening ASEAN unity in addressing increasingly complex global challenges, particularly geopolitical crises that have directly impacted energy security, food security, and the stability of regional supply chains. Speaking at the 48th ASEAN Summit today, he stressed that no country could confront the ongoing global uncertainties alone, underscoring the need to further reinforce collective cooperation and regional solidarity within ASEAN. Anwar said Malaysia also expressed support for accelerating the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, strengthening regional petroleum security mechanisms, and expanding strategic cooperation networks, including through ASEAN-GCC-China collaboration, to ensure long-term energy resilience. On food security, he said ASEAN must take more decisive action through the coordination of emergency food stockpiles and the strengthening of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) mechanism to shield the region from food inflation and supply disruptions. He also emphasised that the safety of ASEAN citizens in conflict areas must remain a shared priority among member states. According to him, ASEAN should intensify information sharing, diplomatic cooperation, and emergency response mechanisms to safeguard the welfare of ASEAN citizens abroad. Anwar stressed that ASEAN must continue to serve as a platform for regional stability, inclusiveness, and resilience amid growing global uncertainty and intensifying geopolitical competition. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s strong commitment to strengthening ASEAN unity in addressing increasingly complex global challenges, particularly geopolitical crises that have directly impacted energy security, food security, and the stability of regional supply chains. Speaking at the 48th ASEAN Summit today, he stressed that no country could confront […]

Self-cultivation Suggestion Doesn’t Mean Gov’t Lacks Food Security Strategies – Mohamad

KUALA LUMPUR — Encouraging the public to grow their own vegetables through the Kebuniti and Household Kitchen Garden programmes does not mean the government lacks strategies to address the country’s food security issues, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said. He said such initiatives were part of a multi-layered approach implemented by the Agriculture […]