The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is stepping up efforts to improve the country’s ranking through plans as well as working with various organisations.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s ranking in the Global Security Food Index (GFSI) has dropped one place to the 41st position in 2022 following the Covid-19 pandemic which took a toll on food security worldwide.
Hence, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS) is stepping up efforts to improve the country’s ranking through plans as well as working together with various organisations.
MAFS policy and strategic planning division senior principle assistant secretary Syukrie Mohd Nasir said the ministry is developing a specific action plan through the National Agrofood Policy 2021 to 2030 as well as another food security action plan.
“We are also increasing the cross-agency coordination on data-sharing, and engaging with various organisations that serve as reference sources,” he said.
Syukrie said the collaboration would include the Statistics Department, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Health Ministry and the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry.
“The fourth strategy is to enhance access to food resources through empowering marketing activities such as the Agro Madani Sale which caters to all segments of the society,” he added.
As food prices continue to increase and pose challenges to the country, Syukrie said the ministry would enhance its data sharing as well as develop a seed hub centre to produce more seed varieties through research and development activities.
“Most of seeds we have in the country are imported,” he explained.
Syukrie said grains such as corn and staple foods such as paddy and rice will be given focus.
He said the ministry must develop an investment-friendly strategy and forge strategic alliances with various parties, including government linked companies, state and at the federal level which also promoting the modernisation of the agrifood sector with automation, mechanisation and technology.
Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd chief executive officer Lee Jim Leng said the global food crisis has led to shortage of foodstuffs in Malaysia for products such as poultry, eggs, vegetables and seafood which had led to the increase in prices.
She said although the situation has abated recently, prices remained elevated, posing greater risk of food insecurity, especially among low-income households.
“Although the challenges we face are complex, they are not insurmountable,” she said during an opening speech at the 15th Bursa-HLIB Stratum Focus Series yesterday.
“By coming together, pooling our knowledge, resources and innovative ideas and committing them to strategic plans and next steps, we can slowly but surely do our part in addressing the food shortage issue and combating global warming,” she added.
