Food security index improves to “good” level as access, stability strengthen, DOSM reports

MALAYSIA’S food security position improved in 2024, with the Malaysia Food Security Index (IKMM) rising to 61.5 points from 54.5 in 2023, placing the country at a “good performance” level, according to official data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the overall improvement was primarily driven by stronger performance in food accessibility and stability, reflecting better household access to food and improved market conditions.

“The IKMM 2024 recorded an overall score of 61.5, up from 54.5 in 2023, indicating that the country’s food security is at a good performance level,” he said at the launch of the index during the Simfoni Data and Media programme.

He said the improvement was underpinned by the Accessibility Index, which recorded the highest score at 79.9 points, followed by Stability at 54.6, Utilisation at 50.4 and Availability at 50.0.

The index is based on 25 key indicators covering four main dimensions: availability, accessibility, utilisation and stability, providing a comprehensive assessment of Malaysia’s food security situation.

Mohd Uzir said accessibility recorded the most significant improvement compared with the previous year, supported by indicators such as food inflation trends, access infrastructure including unpaved roads, and median wages and salaries.

However, he noted that the availability dimension declined to 50.0 points from 54.3 in the previous year, reflecting pressures in domestic food production and supply conditions.

He said the decline was influenced by factors including imports and exports of key agricultural commodities as well as post-harvest losses, which continue to affect overall supply resilience.

Despite the setback in availability, the overall improvement in the index suggests strengthening resilience in Malaysia’s food system, particularly in terms of affordability and market stability.

DOSM said the IKMM serves as a strategic tool to support evidence-based monitoring of national food security, helping policymakers identify intervention areas to strengthen the country’s food system. - July 6, 2026