Food security has become a significant concern in Malaysia, particularly concerning current global developments. Rising costs and a reliance on imports make it harder for many Malaysians, especially those in the B40 category who are already impoverished, to obtain reasonably priced, wholesome food. The ongoing global food crisis, which has been made worse by disruptions brought on by pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, and climate change, has also affected Malaysia.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), more than 60% of Malaysia's staple goods, including rice, wheat, and dairy products, are imported. Since food prices increased by 8.9% in 2023 alone, even a little increase in worldwide prices results in a greater cost of living for people here. This strain is challenging for B40 households, who spend over one-third of their income on food.
Given this, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has underlined the need for self-sufficiency as a crucial element of Malaysia's food security strategy. Though initiatives to expand domestic farming have shown potential, rapid development is hampered by structural issues such as smallholder farms' small size and high running costs.
Additionally, the movement towards agritech has accelerated, with projects supporting smart irrigation, vertical agriculture, and sustainable agricultural methods. However, time and substantial financial commitment are needed for these endeavours. The farming industry in Malaysia, which now accounts for less than 10% of GDP, would require significant reorganisation to facilitate a substantial rise in self-reliance.
Read more at Malaysia Gazette