SELANGOR is moving to strengthen its food security by expanding reserves at the Selangor Food Warehouse (GMS) to cover up to six months of demand, in response to uncertainties arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Selangor Chief Minister Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the initiative, which was originally planned to be achieved over a period of two to three years, has been expedited to ensure continuity of supply for the population is not disrupted.
“Currently, our supply can last for three months. This does not include federal-level efforts, which have their own planning in place.
“For example, the federal government maintains rice reserves from each state, which adds to what we are doing in Selangor. We are now accelerating our efforts due to the conflict in the Middle East,” he said yesterday.
He made the remarks during a visit to KDEB ICI Sdn Bhd headquarters as part of his ‘Singgah Syawal’ programme, which also saw him touring several government facilities, including the Kota Anggerik Fire and Rescue Station in Shah Alam, Sungai Buloh Prison, and Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang.
Amirudin said the state government remains committed to strengthening resilience in the face of ongoing global instability, noting that disruptions linked to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran have had a broad impact on supply chains.
“The conflict (between the United States-Israel and Iran) has a huge impact on supply chains. It not only affects fuel prices but also the overall transportation sector. This is driving up the cost and cycle of food supplies, so we will be monitoring the situation closely,” he said.
He added that rising logistical costs and energy prices are expected to influence food distribution cycles, prompting closer oversight of market conditions.
Last week, the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) had announced plans to increase food reserves to cover a three-month period as part of contingency measures against potential global supply disruptions.
In conjunction with the festive season, Amirudin also visited personnel from several frontline agencies as part of efforts to acknowledge their continued service during Aidilfitri.
His ‘Singgah Syawal’ programme included stops at KDEB ICI Sdn Bhd, Kota Anggerik Fire and Rescue Station, Sungai Buloh Prison, the North Hammock Water Treatment Plant in Shah Alam, Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang, and the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency at Port Klang, where Aidilfitri greetings and festive food such as lemang and rendang were distributed.
“Most of them are on duty throughout the first week of Aidilfitri. They ensure the smooth running of several essential services, for example KDEB ICI, which manages solid waste and cleanliness.
“The Fire and Rescue Department is responsible for emergency incidents such as floods or fires, while the border agency safeguards the country’s entry points,” he said when met after visiting KDEB ICI Sdn Bhd.
During his visit to the Kota Anggerik Fire and Rescue Station, Amirudin also observed operations at the control room and reviewed the duties carried out by personnel on duty.
He further extended his Hari Raya Aidilfitri greetings to all 38 fire and rescue stations across Selangor via the radio communication system, expressing appreciation for their continued commitment to maintaining public safety during the festive period. - March 20, 2026
