THE nation’s current physical rice reserves are sufficient to meet domestic demand for 5.45 months in the event of a national disaster, the government has assured.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu said total rice stocks stood at 1,089,285 tonnes as of 3 February, comprising 200,000 tonnes of buffer stock and 889,285 tonnes of commercial stock.
Responding during oral question time in the Dewan Rakyat to Zakri Hassan (Perikatan Nasional–Kangar), who sought clarification on measures to ensure food supply continuity during floods or climate-related disruptions, Mohamad outlined a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening national resilience.
Among them is a pilot project to cultivate padi over five planting seasons within two years as part of preparations for potential crises. The initiative will be implemented in stages across 3,000 hectares within areas under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority beginning this year.
“KPKM also strengthens the beef cattle industry, aimed at breeding through the Ruminant Enhancement Programme and the Ruminant Breeding Programme using assisted reproductive technology to increase the population of quality breeding stock in the country.
“In addition, beef output is increased through the Beef Cattle Productivity Incentive Programme towards achieving a national average birth rate of 60 per cent.
“We are also strengthening relations with key food-supplying countries such as ASEAN nations, China, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and other friendly countries,” he said.
The measures form part of the broader strategy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to mitigate supply shocks caused by natural disasters and climate change, while reducing reliance on external sources and bolstering domestic production capacity. - February 25, 2026
