Jualan Ehsan Rahmah was held to ensure sufficient food supply at affordable prices. — Filepic
MORE land is being identified for agricultural activities to boost crop and livestock production in Selangor for better food security.
State infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Izham Hashim said at present, only 5% of food demand was met by local suppliers.
“For example, 95% of the beef we get is sourced from other states or imported from overseas,” he said at the state assembly sitting.
Izham said Selangor faced challenges in becoming self- sufficient in food production due to lack of land meant for agricultural activities.
“A vast majority of plots are being used for commercial activities, which limits the production of crops and livestock.
“Some agricultural tracts were also turned into industrial zones.
“We are monitoring more agricultural land to ensure they are not converted,” he said.
As a short-term measure to ensure sufficient food supply, Izham said the state spent RM25mil in 2022 and 2023 on Jualan Ehsan Rahmah.
Under this initiative, basic food items like chicken, eggs and rice were sold at affordable prices, he noted.
He said this in response to Mariam Abdul Rashid (PH-Meru) who asked about the state’s plan to ensure food security.
On a related matter, Izham said RM374,000 was spent to provide training for 40 youths to become entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.
He said they received guidance to start their ventures.
Separately, Izham said 34 lakes and ponds were identified as sources of raw water in the event of an emergency.
He said the bodies of water would be able to supply up to 34 million cubic metres of water, which could last consumers up to four months.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Sijangkang) who wanted to know about the state’s preparedness in dealing with an anticipated drought in 2025.
Meanwhile, the state assembly was told that Klang Municipal Council (MPK) was conducting regular checks on multipurpose halls and community centres in Taman Sri Andalas to ensure they were in good condition.
State local government and tourism committee chairman Ng Suee Lim said there were four halls and eight community centres in the area.
He said with the exception of Dewan Sukan Klang, which was privatised in 2021, the other three halls were still being managed by MPK.
“These are Dewan Serbaguna Sentosa, Dewan Serbaguna Kampung Jawa and Dewan Serbaguna Klang Jaya.
“Meanwhile, the community centres are being managed by local residents’ associations.”
Ng was replying to Wan Dzahanurin Ahmad (PN-Sungai Kandis), who said many such halls and centres were in poor condition and asked that immediate repairs be undertaken.
