THE sudden increase in the price of vegetables and edibles has once again pointed the spotlight on the weaknesses of Malaysian food production.

While we supply countries like Singapore, China and Hong Kong, our own insufficient production capability has inevitably led to increased imports annually, to the tune of tens of billions of ringgit.

The authorities were quick to point out the reasons – the weather, the depreciating ringgit, supply chain issues, price manipulation by middle men and so on – of which none is within the control of the general population, and so it is implied, out of government hands as well.

The reality is, plenty of it depends on the government, from subsidies to setting of policies, to providing platforms to engage industry players, safeguards to protect consumers and avenues to facilitate trade.

Hence, it is simplistic and irresponsible to shrug it off as an inevitable situation.

Malaysia’s road to self-sufficient food production seems to be less than determined. We are a net importer of nearly all food essentials, from rice to poultry.

For a mid-sized country with ample agricultural land, we are underperforming, especially compared to our neighbours. Vietnam produces approximately 0.5 tonnes per capita, and Thailand 0.3. Malaysia produces just 0.06 tonnes for each person.

This represents a missed opportunity for Malaysia. Just 30 years ago, we were far ahead of the competition in terms of expertise, organisation and strategy.

Our agricultural centres like the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute and UPM were regional and even global leaders – developing processes and cultivars alike that revolutionised palm oil, durian farming, rice irrigation and many other things.

We have many strategic advantages: we have a sizeable Muslim population and a mature halal certification process. We are located in the middle of Asean, bordering six out of 10 of its members.

We are a sizeable logistics player boasting the 12th and 19th biggest ports in the world, with only Singapore as the only Asean competitor in the top 19.

It isn’t too late to get back in the game, but we need to put politics and egos aside. 

The antagonising political rivalry between the Kedah and Penang governments, for example.

Penang has many world-renowned durian orchards, whereas Kedah has plenty of free land. Sekinchan in Selangor, even though a Pakatan Harapan-held state, has a thriving paddy industry with the highest yield level of output nationally.

The states are also successful models of agricultural tourism, with local and foreign tourists thronging the many scenic spots and populating their homestays.

With the expected pent-up tourist demand in the coming years, along with unpredictable travel restrictions, this could prove a highly marketable alternative to crowded tourist destinations.

As previously mentioned, we have a mature halal market that could be streamlined and monetised further.

It is strange that the largest halal chicken production and distribution centres are in Brazil and China respectively, neither of which are known for a Muslim consumer base or halal food processing.  

Instead of outright competition, we could work out strategic partnerships, offering our expertise in technology, Islamic food handling, distribution and Asian market expertise with these industry leaders, and aim to first fulfil our requirements and then, be a strong regional player.

Food security post-pandemic era is important, as demonstrated in the early days of the pandemic, where countries were clamouring to secure theirs.

Between that and rising local food costs against a backdrop of a weakening economy, is more than sufficient reason for the government to pull itself together and deliver on a decades-long promise to increase our self-sufficiency in food production. – December 1, 2021.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.