KUALA LUMPUR – The Cabinet has agreed to increase the country’s rice stock to cover the next nine months, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
He stated that this is to ensure sufficient rice supply in the event that the conflict between Iran and the United States–Israel continues.
While assuring that the food supply is sufficient, Mohamad also urged the public not to panic, as food supplies including rice, chicken, eggs, fish, and meat are adequate at least until May or June this year.
“The Cabinet has agreed that the country’s rice stock be increased to cover the next nine months from now. This is an early step to ensure that the nation’s food supply remains secure.
“The situation for rice, chicken, eggs, fish, beef, buffalo, fresh milk, vegetables, and fruits is all sufficient at least until May and June. Therefore, the public does not need to panic,” he said at a press conference following a special Cabinet meeting discussing the impact of the Middle East conflict on the country’s economy earlier today.
The press conference was also attended by Minister of Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
Meanwhile, Mohamad stated that most of Malaysia’s food imports do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but are instead sourced from countries such as India, Pakistan, Brazil, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, and Asean.
“The problem is, if the conflict prolongs, it will impact transportation and so on, which could then result in changes in prices and such.
“For now, there is no need to worry; let us celebrate Hari Raya peacefully, practicing thrift and prudence as advised by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” he said. – March 13, 2026