Malaysia's rice stocks sufficient for six months, fish for 240 days
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has sufficient rice stocks to meet domestic requirements for six months, while fish stocks, managed by fishermen's associations and industry players, can last up to 240 days, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
Malaysia currently possesses enough rice stocks to last its population for six months, according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. As of September 30, the nation holds 1.193 million tonnes of rice, comprising 200,000 tonnes of national buffer stocks and 993,478 tonnes of commercial stocks. This stockpile is deemed stable and adequate to meet domestic requirements for half a year, as reported in a written response to a parliamentary inquiry.
Regarding fish, the minister stated that stocks overseen by fishermen's associations amount to 247.98 tonnes as of August 31, while industry players hold an additional 9,690 tonnes. The combined supply from these sources is estimated at 10,000 tonnes, based on a daily demand of approximately 41.66 tonnes or a monthly demand of 1,250 tonnes.
Mohamad Sabu addressed questions from Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, inquiring about the country's current reserves of essential food items, the impact of the Middle East war on food imports, and the government's strategies to ensure national food security. The conflict has led to a 28.15% increase in the cost of agricultural inputs, particularly DAP fertiliser, which rose to US$793.50 (RM3,241) per tonne by August 31, up from US$626.50 per tonne in February.
Higher domestic logistics costs have put pressure on local retail prices, and increased production machinery costs due to uncontrolled fuel costs, particularly in the fisheries sector involving Zone C.
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