Geopolitical tensions put food security back in focus, Mat Sabu warns

Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, better known as Mat Sabu, said rising geopolitical tensions underscore the urgent need for the country to strengthen its food security. Speaking at a defence forum in Kuala Lumpur, he pointed to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the South China Sea as disruptions that could threaten food supply chains. Malaysia currently imports about 40 percent of its rice and relies heavily on foreign sources for other staples like wheat and soybeans. Mat Sabu urged the government to accelerate efforts to boost local food production and reduce dependency on imports. He stressed that a stable food supply is a matter of national security, not just an economic issue. The minister called for closer cooperation between the defence and agriculture ministries to build a more resilient food system. His comments come as global food prices remain volatile and shipping routes face increasing risks. For Malaysian consumers, any prolonged supply disruption could mean higher costs at grocery stores. The government has set targets to increase self-sufficiency in rice and poultry, but progress has been slow. Analysts say the challenge is not only producing more but also ensuring farmers have access to land, technology, and fair prices. The next step will be whether the government allocates more budget to agriculture in the upcoming national budget.