Govt action kept food supply under control, says Fomca

 The consumer association said stronger government coordination had led to improved supply stability, but risks remained amid global uncertainty.

Fomca CEO T Saravanan said essential items such as rice, eggs, onions and chicken were generally available nationwide, with no widespread shortages.

PETALING JAYA:

 Food supplies have remained stable through this Ramadan season, an improvement from previous years largely due to better coordination among agencies and more active monitoring, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations.

Its CEO, T Saravanan, said that there were acute shortages of essential items such as chicken and eggs in past years.

This time, rice, eggs, onions and chicken were generally available with no widespread shortages.

“However, the situation remains fragile, as Malaysia is still dependent on imports for several key food items. External pressures such as geopolitical tensions, global supply chain disruptions and climate-related impacts continue to pose risks that could quickly affect domestic stability,” he told FMT.

He said government interventions such as price controls and monitoring initiatives had also helped stabilise prices of key staples, although affordability remains a concern.

“This stability should not be interpreted as affordability, as prices remain elevated compared to historical norms,” he said, adding that while price volatility has eased compared to last year, underlying costs remain high.

Saravanan also praised the domestic trade and cost of living ministry, saying it had helped maintain supply confidence by monitoring supplies, addressing shortages and taking action against profiteering.

Mydin managing director Ameer Ali Mydin also said there had been no shortage of key food items during Ramadan.

“Rice, sugar, flour, ketupat, eggs and chicken. Everything has been more than enough. No issues,” he told FMT, adding that prices for some basic items, such as chicken, are lower than they were last year.

Ameer advised the public against worrying about price increases or panic buying basic items.

He also noted that Putrajaya had been proactive. “A committee meets regularly to assess the supply chain situation. I feel a little more confident (about Malaysia’s supply situation) than in other countries,” he said.

Agriculture and food security minister Mohamad Sabu had recently encouraged the public to supplement food supplies by planting their own crops, noting that countries like Singapore and Japan also promote urban farming despite having strong food policies in place.

The Amanah president, popularly known as Mat Sabu, defended his proposal against critics who said small-scale cultivation would have minimal impact on national food security, saying it is only part of a broader strategy to strengthen the nation’s food supply resilience.

He also instructed his ministry’s officers to plant their own crops, citing the prolonged economic uncertainty linked to the conflict involving Israel, the US and Iran. - FMT