KUALA SELANGOR: The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) will distribute 60,000 food kits to disaster victims and responders nationwide as part of the first phase of the Disaster Food Aid Kit initiative in preparation for the Northeast Monsoon (MTL).
Fama chairman Aminuddin Zulkipli said that, to date, 49,550 food kits have been distributed, comprising 34,550 kits for disaster victims and 15,000 ready-to-eat meal kits for disaster responders.
He said that the initiative, carried out in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), aims to ensure the welfare of disaster victims while also supporting the government’s policy on food security.
"We are focusing on high-risk states such as Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang, with distribution in these states coordinated by the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) at the affected districts.
"The next phase will depend on data provided by Nadma and previous data regarding potential disasters. We are just waiting for Nadma’s instructions, and once received, we will implement it. Fama is always ready,” he said after launching the Disaster Food Kit Distribution for the 2024/2025 MTL here Tuesday (Nov 26).
Aminuddin said that Fama also plans to improve the food kits, which consist of 12 types of food products, including retort food packs (emergency meals), by including leaflets containing safety advice for disaster victims.
Meanwhile, he also said that Fama is on standby to ensure the welfare of agricultural producers is protected in light of the MTL, which is expected to end in March next year.
"At present, we are identifying all the high-risk areas, and we are also collaborating with the Farmers' Organisation Authority in each state. Additionally, we are making sure that our outlets, such as our permanent farmers’ markets are ready to operate there.
"We are currently in communication with all producers to ensure we are aware of their situation,” he said. - Bernama
