KUALA LUMPUR: The Executive Committee on the National Food Security Policy will take an aggressive approach to address the increasing cost of animal feed due to the direct impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the local supply chain.
Its chairman, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, said the approach will increase local food production capacity and encourage the consumption of locally produced food.
"The meeting on the National Food Security Policy today discussed four low-hanging fruit approaches in addressing food security issues in the country.
"This includes the need to address the short supply of animal feed, which is expensive and difficult to get due to the Russia-Ukraine war. "Hence, the focus we have discussed is on how we can produce our own grains, such as corn, as a source of food for our animals," he said after chairing the first executive committee meeting on the 2033 National Food Security Policy, today.
He added that industry players, as well as researchers, were welcome to present their ideas to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to provide alternatives to increase the supply of animal feed.
"This includes studies on food alternatives for animals, such as ways to increase the production of crops. Hence, any industry player or researcher with knowledge on the matter can reach out to the ministry. This will also allow us to ensure the whole food security ecosystem is guaranteed."
He said the meeting was chaired alongside Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, in line with the mandate given by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim this year.
Fadillah, who is also the deputy prime minister, said matters discussed in the meeting will be presented to the prime minister in the next meeting scheduled between April and May.
"The mandate given simultaneously elevates the role of this committee and shows the priority of the unity government to ensure that the national food security agenda continues to be an important focus in the country."
The meeting was attended by 50 related agencies, including government agencies, industry players, academicians and non-governmental organisations.
Among other issues discussed in the meeting included a special presentation paper on the National Food Security administrative structure, the Quickwins Initiative to strengthen national food supply productivity, and the export of agricultural products by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department.