MALAYSIA needs a national food security council as countries all over the world are rushing to secure their own stocks during the coronavirus pandemic, said former agriculture minister Salahuddin Ayub.

This is because the country is still reliant on substantial amounts of food imports to cater to local demand, and producer countries, such as Vietnam, have stopped exporting, said the Pulai MP.

“Malaysia still imports 30% of the rice it needs and 70% of the beef it consumes. But as the world goes into lockdown, where are we going to get our food supplies?” Salahuddin said in a statement today.

“Vietnam for instance, has stopped exporting rice to Malaysia, so what will happen if this pandemic continues?

“My intention is not to cause panic, but the country needs to be ready because this is a global issue.”

He urged the government to set up a food security council made up of experts to find ways for Malaysia to overcome possible shortages.

Industry players and experts had recently told The Malaysian Insight that food supplies during the movement control order period are adequate but warned of shortages due to disruptions in the distribution and retail chain.

They said temporary shortages of certain items will likely occur as consumers have to adjust to supermarkets and grocery stores only opening from 8am to 8pm, under Phase 2 of the MCO.

Also, daily morning and night markets, which used to supply local neighbourhoods with fresh vegetables, fruits and meat, and fish farms have been closed to limit face-to-face contact during the MCO.

Such shortages occurred despite the fact that vegetable, poultry farms and factories that make dry food are still churning out goods daily, while imports from Thailand have not stopped.

Malaysia is in the second phase of the MCO, which is aimed at breaking the virus’ chain of transmission. – April 4, 2020.