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Malaysia targets 50% cut in food imports by 2050

Malaysia has set a target of reducing its reliance on imported food by 50% by 2050 as part of efforts to strengthen national food security. The goal comes as the country's annual food import bill has reached around 80 billion MYR (20 billion USD).

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia has set a target of reducing its reliance on imported food by 50% by 2050 as part of efforts to strengthen national food security, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on July 4.

The Deputy PM said the goal comes as the country's annual food import bill has reached around 80 billion MYR (20 billion USD).

The plan is being implemented in phases, with interim targets of a 15% reduction by 2030 and more than 30% by 2040, before reaching the final goal by 2050.

The strategy, he said, will focus on optimising underutilised and idle land owned by agencies under KKDW, converting it into agricultural and livestock production zones.

Ahmad Zahid said the food security programme has been in implementation over the past three years and has already contributed to stabilising prices, particularly through broiler chicken and egg production projects.

He stressed that the initiative is not intended to compete with commercial producers, but to ensure sufficient supply in the domestic market and reduce price volatility./.

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