Malaysia

Ministry to review national food stocks after May amid West Asia tensions

The government is closely monitoring the food supply chain to prevent any attempts by cartels or market players to manipulate prices during the current period of global uncertainty

Updated 7 months ago · Published on 14 Mar 2026 2:16PM

Ministry to review national food stocks after May amid West Asia tensions
Mohamad Sabu urges the public to remain calm and avoid panic buying - March 14, 2026

THE Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is preparing to reassess the country’s food supply situation after May as geopolitical tensions in West Asia raise concerns about potential disruptions to global supply chains.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said current supplies of essential food items, including rice, chicken and vegetables, remain sufficient for the time being and are expected to last at least until May.

He urged the public to remain calm and avoid panic buying.

“We will monitor developments from time to time until May. We hope the war will end soon,” he said when speaking to reporters after launching the Agro MADANI Sales Programme for the Kota Raja Zone at Padang Rakyat Jalan Kebun.

Mohamad added that the government is closely monitoring the food supply chain to prevent any attempts by cartels or market players to manipulate prices during the current period of global uncertainty.

The monitoring effort is being carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living to ensure that no parties take advantage of the situation.

He also highlighted the Agro MADANI Sales Programme as part of broader government efforts to strengthen the nation’s food security while helping households cope with rising living costs.

The initiative, organised by the Selangor Farmers’ Organisation Authority in collaboration with 14 Area Farmers’ Organisations across the state, allows consumers to purchase agricultural produce and agri-food products directly from producers.

Through the programme, visitors are able to buy a range of daily essentials including fresh chicken, eggs, meat, cooking oil, vegetables, fruits and agro-based industry products at prices between 10 and 30 per cent lower than prevailing market rates.

Mohamad said such initiatives form part of the government’s continuing strategy to safeguard food supplies and stabilise prices as global developments continue to influence commodity markets.

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