Malaysia has 6 months' rice supply, 8 months' fish stock amid cyberwar threat

Malaysia is estimated to have a six-month supply of rice and an eight-month stock of fish in case a cyberattack disrupts the nation's communication networks, according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. The government is prepared to physically distribute food supplies from farms if digital systems are compromised.

Mohamad stressed the importance of being mentally prepared for the next war, which he likened to the Star Wars films of the 1970s and warned that the threat of cyber warfare is real. He urged the audience to imagine going a week without internet or television, highlighting the potential disruptions to ordering food and supplies.

The minister assured the public that Malaysia is prepared for such disruptions, with enough rice for at least six months and enough fish for eight months. In case of a cyberattack, food supplies can be distributed physically from farms. Mohamad emphasized the need for preparation, even if an attack never occurs, and called for education on how to face cyber warfare in the future.

He cited recent incidents where conflicts, extreme weather, and disruptions to critical services have led to concerns over food security, including examples from France, the United Kingdom, and Japan.