Agriculture Ministry: No reports of food shortages, supply sufficient until June despite global crisis

KOTA BHARU, May 23 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) said it has, to date, not received any reports of food supply shortages, including during the festive season, amid the global supply crisis.

KPKM deputy secretary-general (Development) Datuk Luqman Ahmad said that simulations conducted, taking into account unpredictable weather conditions, indicated that the country’s food supply would remain sufficient until June.

“For the following month, KPKM has various approaches in place to ensure that supply stability is guaranteed.

“In the event of insufficient supply, we will bring in supplies from producing countries, as the majority of imported goods come from countries not involved in the West Asia crisis,” he told reporters at the Mega Agro Madani Sales Opening Ceremony at the Tunjong Rural Transformation Centre here today.

He also said the government, through the National Agrofood Policy 2.0, had allocated RM30 million per year to strengthen entrepreneurs, infrastructure development and food security initiatives implemented by KPKM.

Meanwhile, Luqman said the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority’s (Fama) Agro Madani Sales recorded encouraging performance, with sales amounting to RM101 million last year through 4,695 programmes held nationwide, benefiting over 6.89 million consumers.

“For this year up to May 17, a total of 561 programmes have been implemented, recording sales of RM8.5 million,” he said.

On the three-day event in Kelantan which began yesterday, Luqman said the ministry is targeting 50,000 visitors, with a projected sales value of RM750,000 involving 204 entrepreneurs.

He said 11,400 coupons worth RM5 each were distributed to visitors for the purchase of selected fresh products, including chicken, beef, fish, fruits and vegetables, as well as Madani combo deals and ‘happy hour’ promotions.

“Visitors also stand a chance to receive Agrobazaar Online vouchers worth RM5 and RM10 for purchases of RM15 and RM30 and above at the Fama booth.

“This initiative is seen as helping to ease the people’s cost of living while encouraging direct purchases from local entrepreneurs without involving middlemen,” he said. — Bernama

المصدر: Malay Mail