ALL departments and agencies under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry are gearing up for the hot spell that is expected to affect the agriculture sector.

Its minister, Mohamad Sabu, said the country’s agricultural stock is still under control and the ministry will ensure an adequate supply of daily necessities.

“Our officers such as those at the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority, Farmers Organisation Authority and Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute are monitoring the situation to ensure that our stocks are available and sufficient,” he told reporters after launching the Agro Madani sales programme at Kampung Johan Setia in Klang today.

Mohamad said the ministry has also drawn up an emergency plan in the event of a food shortage due to the hot weather.

“We will import (agricultural goods) if need be. We’ve already listed the source countries if we have to do it urgently,” he said.

On the Agro Madani programme, Mohamad said the pilot project will be expanded to nine other locations in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.

“Through this programme, commodities sold are expanded to include fresh produce and controlled items with 10 to 30% discount for selected products,” he said.

“Among the focus areas are retail outlets of agencies under the ministry, people’s housing projects, residential areas, urban poor areas and the suburbs.”

Mohamad said the ministry is targeting to generate around RM150,000 in sales through 10 series of the programme and attract 5,000 visitors. – Bernama, April 16, 2023.