Kuala lumpur: The National Food Security Policy 2030 (DKMN 2030) is being positioned as a pivotal strategy by the government to ensure Malaysia’s food supply stability over the next five years, as announced by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. The policy framework is designed to tackle current challenges, including the unpredictable global geopolitical landscape that directly affects the food supply chain.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the minister highlighted that the primary objectives of the policy are to safeguard the purchasing power of the populace, decrease dependency on imports, and boost export levels. “What we are focusing on are two main matters — maintaining the people’s purchasing power and finding ways to reduce imports,” Mohamad Sabu stated during the DKMN 2030 launch event, which was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Mohamad also emphasized the necessity of implementing smart farming techniques, particularly in the rice sector, given the country’s current rice self-sufficiency standing at an alarming 50 percent. “Our level of rice sufficiency is only about 50 percent. It’s extremely unsafe if something happens abroad,” he remarked, stressing the urgency to enhance domestic production. Discussions with state governments are ongoing to address development pressures and the allocation of agricultural lands, especially for padi fields.

Furthermore, Mohamad pointed out that food waste is another critical issue addressed under the policy. Collaborative awareness campaigns involving multiple ministries aim to tackle this problem, as the nation trails behind Japan and neighboring Thailand in reducing food waste.

In his speech, Mohamad articulated that DKMN 2030 was initiated to provide a clear and long-term strategic direction. The objectives not only focus on food availability and production but also emphasize food safety, quality, accessibility, stability, and environmental sustainability. He further explained that DKMN 2030 is propelled by four key missions, including fostering efficient and productive agriculture and constructing a sustainable and resilient agrifood system.