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 6 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.

Spotlight

Malaysia

JPJ temporarily suspends VTA and registration for Chery Omoda 5

Malaysia

Eligibility for PTPTN repayment deferment to be verified with LHDN

Malaysia

Budget allocates two rounds of cash aid to millions of Malaysians in 70th Merdeka year

Malaysia

No Malaysians killed or injured in Riyadh airport attack, says Wisma Putra

Malaysia

JAIS probes viral religious ritual footage, says AI manipulation not ruled out

Malaysia

10-tonne truck ploughs into 11 vehicles: Police probe possible brake failure

World

Trump weighs joining Saudi strikes after deadly Houthi attack on Riyadh airport

You may be interested

Malaysia

No Malaysian is left behind; Budget 2027 puts people first - Anwar  

Malaysia

JPJ temporarily suspends VTA and registration for Chery Omoda 5

Malaysia

Haze blankets 33 areas with unhealthy air

Malaysia

Indonesia deploys 60,000 personnel to contain fires as haze threat persists

Malaysia

Perak state government leaves school bullying and alleged teacher assault cases to police

Malaysia

Debt servicing bill hits RM57.3b as Malaysia’s federal debt climbs to RM1.38 trillion - MOF

Malaysia

Budget 2027: Anwar appears mindful of GE16, says analyst

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Resident injured after crane topples onto nursing home