Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's physical rice stock as of February 3 stands at 1.09 million metric tonnes, a volume sufficient to meet the national demand for 5.45 months, as stated by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. This stockpile includes 200,000 tonnes of buffer stock and 889,285 tonnes of trade stock.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Minister emphasized that this stock is a part of the ministry's strategic measures to ensure the continuity of food supply during potential disasters. Initiatives include a pilot project for cultivating rice over five planting cycles spanning two years. This project will cover 3,000 hectares in phases starting from 2024 within the Malaysian Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) area.
Additionally, efforts are being made to modernize the agricultural water management system through public-private partnerships. This involves the development and maintenance of the Jeniang Phase II Water Transfer Scheme, aimed at optimizing water supply during floods and droughts.
During a Dewan Rakyat session, Mohamad responded to a question from Zakri Hassan (PN-Kangar) regarding the ministry's measures to ensure food supply continuity amidst floods and climate-related disruptions. He noted the establishment of the Rice Crop Disaster Fund to provide immediate aid to farmers affected by disasters, crop diseases, or pest infestations. In 2025, RM5.04 million in disaster aid was disbursed to 2,255 farmers, covering 3,253.4 hectares of damaged land.
Mohamad further highlighted that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) is enhancing research, development, and innovation while expanding the early warning system for pest attacks. These efforts are conducted in collaboration with the Malaysian Meteorological Department and through strengthened relations with major food-supplying countries, including ASEAN members, China, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand.
For Perlis farmers affected by floods and drought, support will be provided following the completion of the verification process. Last year, 265 farmers in Perlis were impacted by floods, affecting 333.82 hectares of padi fields. Applications for aid worth RM292,426 under the Rice Crop Disaster Fund will be tabled at the Master Committee Meeting on March 6 before being disbursed to the affected farmers.
The drought in Perlis last February impacted about 300 hectares, with on-site assessments currently underway by the state Department of Agriculture. Mohamad stressed that any delays in aid distribution are due to thorough verification processes to ensure assistance reaches eligible recipients.