Food security a major risk in 2027 as Malaysia rank low in availability – MBSB Research

The research firm MBSB predicts that food security in Malaysia will be at risk in 2027 due to the delayed impact of the US-Iran conflict on agricultural production. Farmers make planting and production decisions several months ahead, so the full effects may not be seen until lower yields and higher food prices in the subsequent year.

The research firm explains that farmers may cut back on fertiliser use, delay planting, or switch to less resource-intensive crops to manage costs, which could weaken yields in future harvests. This risk is not an immediate shortage, but a gradual decline in agricultural productivity and tightening of supply in the next planting season.

Additional costs in transportation, storage, and packaging could also affect food availability. Despite importing many essential food items, Malaysia still has a varied range of suppliers, but key exporting countries may face severe climate impacts or domestic political pressures, potentially exacerbating the situation. Malaysia ranks 10th globally in the Resilient Food Systems Index (RFSI) with a score of 72.98, performing well in affordability but poorly in availability.

The country's dual-track agricultural economy, with a high Self-Sufficiency Ratio (SSR) in poultry but low SSR in rice, highlights the need to strengthen long-term supply resilience.