SELANGOR has become the first state in Malaysia to launch a food warehouse, dubbed the Selangor Food Warehouse (GMS), aimed at bolstering the carbohydrate and protein supply security system, particularly during unforeseen emergencies.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari revealed that the GMS, a project of the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS), was officially launched at the Tiong Nam Logistics Warehouse in Port Klang.
The warehouse will initially store 5,000 tonnes of rice and one million kilograms of frozen meat for a defined period.
“The plan is that in the event of an emergency, major disaster, or pandemic with movement restrictions, we are confident that the food supplies can last at least three months (with the presence of the GMS), while also acting as a buffer for price fluctuations,” Bernama cited him saying.
He clarified that the stock would not be kept indefinitely and would be stored for a set period before being rotated and replaced. The supplies will also be sold through the Jualan Ehsan Rahmah (JER) and Ehsan Mart programmes, offering goods at 15 to 20 per cent below market prices.
Amirudin made the comments during a press conference following the launch event, which was attended by Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim and PKPS Group CEO Datuk Dr Mohamad Khairil Mohamad Razi.
Amirudin emphasised that the GMS is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the food supply system and maintain affordable food prices, especially for the disadvantaged.
“As well as striving to be a leader in strengthening the country’s food security, the implementation of the GMS serves as a strategic link to create a sustainable and efficient food supply chain,” he added.
He also expressed hopes that the initiative would serve as a model for other states to improve their food supply systems, benefiting all Malaysians.
Meanwhile, Amirudin disclosed that the state government, through PKPS, is currently renting part of the Tiong Nam Logistics Warehouse while awaiting the completion of its own facility in Kuala Selangor.
“We have identified a site for the new warehouse and are awaiting planning approval. We expect to have our own 4.046-hectare (10-acre) food warehouse in Kuala Selangor within the next one and a half years,” he said.
In a separate statement, Mohamad Khairil highlighted PKPS’s readiness to play a central role in strengthening the state’s food supply chain.
“This GMS is a strategic initiative by the state government, reflecting its concern for the needs of the people, particularly in facing crises such as natural disasters, epidemics, and disruptions in global food supplies,” he stated.
He also revealed that over RM90 million has been allocated since 2022 for the implementation of both the JER and GMS programmes, with contributions from the state government and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). - March 22, 2025
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