Malaysia Drafts National Food Security Act to Ensure No Citizen Goes Hungry

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 29: Malaysia is preparing a National Food Security Act to provide a strong legal framework aimed at safeguarding the nation’s food security, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof announced on Wednesday.

Speaking at the launch of the National Food Security Policy (DKMN 2030) and the National Food Security Action Plan 2026–2030, Fadillah said enshrining food security as a constitutional commitment demonstrates the Madani government’s determination to ensure that no one in Malaysia goes hungry.

“Food security is not the sole responsibility of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry. It is a shared duty across all sectors of government and society,” Fadillah said.

The minister highlighted growing global challenges, including extreme climate events, geopolitical conflicts, pest and disease threats, and rising competition for agricultural land, which have disrupted food production and supply chains. Citing the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), he noted that global food security scores declined slightly in 2022, underscoring persistent vulnerabilities worldwide.

“Today, the world faces a ‘perfect storm’ of multiple crises shaking the stability of global food supply chains,” Fadillah said.

Fadillah warned that Malaysia, while currently enjoying relative food stability with strong domestic poultry, egg, fruit, and vegetable production, must not be complacent. Self-sufficiency ratios (SSR) stand at 92.9% for chicken, 107% for eggs, 96.8% for fruits, and 83.1% for tropical vegetables, while milk and rice remain at moderate sufficiency levels of 66.7% and 52.9%, respectively.

The deputy prime minister emphasized that the DKMN 2030 policy is more than a document—it is a strategic action plan for ensuring long-term food security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth through modernization, digitalization, and youth engagement in agriculture.

Fadillah also called for measures to reduce food waste, improve supply management, and encourage responsible consumption. “Transitioning to smart agriculture is essential to meet future demands and attract young talent back to the sector,” he said.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, also present at the event, said food security has evolved from a geopolitical tool into a core determinant of national stability. He addressed concerns regarding pig farming, stressing that the issue relates to food production and environmental impact rather than race, and called for state government cooperation to resolve it.

The government’s comprehensive approach aims to strengthen Malaysia’s resilience against global shocks, ensure adequate and safe food supplies for all citizens, and position the agri-food sector as a pillar of economic growth.