KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been advised to create a plan of action for restructuring the agro-food sector in preparation for future food security crises. Dr Richard Rapu @ Aman Anak Begri (GPS-Betong) emphasized the need for transformation to make the sector more resilient, inclusive, competitive, and sustainable. He emphasized the importance of changing agricultural practices, adopting advanced technology, increasing productivity, and strengthening the ecosystem to facilitate these transformation efforts. These statements were made during the debate on the Supply Bill 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 23).
Zahari Kechik (PN-Jeli) supported this sentiment, stating that the government should not rely too heavily on food imports. He attributed the current food security crisis to the country’s over-reliance on imported food, with an annual import value of RM62 billion. He warned that when exporting countries change their policies for various reasons, it can severely impact the country’s food security, posing a significant threat to the people and the nation.
Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu) argued that the Federal government must allocate significant funds for managing the food security agenda and promoting initiatives that reduce reliance on food exports. He referenced the Negeri Sembilan government’s application for an additional RM20 million under Budget 2024 to strengthen the agricultural, livestock, and fisheries industries, as well as develop unused land for agricultural purposes.
“Negeri Sembilan is not a rice-producing state, but it has 1,200 hectares of land for paddy planting. With the available allocation, we can build our own rice mills in the coming years to supply rice for our state,” he said.
Kalam Salan (PN-Sabak Bernam) proposed that the government raise the floor price of paddy to RM1,500 per tonne, compared to the current RM1,300. He argued that this increase was necessary to support farmers, who face expenses for importing fertilizers, pesticides, and oil for machinery while maintaining food security.
Several other Members of Parliament (MPs), including Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik), Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong), and Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (PN-Bukit Gantang), also raised concerns about food security and the need to increase rice supply.
