Malaysia’s rice reserves stand at 1.09 million tonnes, enough to meet national demand for 5.45 months, as the government implements multiple food security initiatives.
KUALA LUMPUR: The nation’s physical rice stock stood at 1.09 million metric tonnes as of February 3.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said this comprised a 200,000-tonne buffer stock and 889,285 tonnes of trade stock.
He stated the stock forms part of the ministry’s measures to ensure food supply continuity during a disaster.
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Mohamad was responding to a parliamentary question from Zakri Hassan (PN-Kangar) on disaster preparedness.
Other initiatives include a pilot project to cultivate rice across five planting cycles over two years.
This project will cover 3,000 hectares in phases from 2024 within the Malaysian Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) area.
The ministry is also upgrading the agricultural water management system through public-private partnerships.
This includes developing the Jeniang Phase II Water Transfer Scheme to optimise water supply during floods and droughts.
A Rice Crop Disaster Fund provides immediate aid to farmers affected by disasters or crop diseases.
In 2025, RM5.04 million in aid was disbursed to 2,255 farmers, covering 3,253.4 hectares of damaged land.
The Ministry is stepping up research and expanding the early warning system for pest attacks.
These efforts are done with the Malaysian Meteorological Department and by strengthening ties with major food-supplying countries.
Regarding Perlis, Mohamad said support for flood and drought-affected farmers will follow verification.
Last year, 265 farmers in Perlis were affected by floods, impacting 333.82 hectares of padi fields.
Applications for aid worth RM292,426 will be tabled at a Master Committee Meeting on March 6.
A drought last February affected about 300 hectares, with on-site assessments currently underway.
Mohamad stressed that any aid delays are due to thorough verification to ensure it reaches eligible recipients.
The Sun Malaysia
