Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's long-term national food security strategy requires significant enhancement to mitigate the country's reliance on imports, which currently exceed 50 percent, amid uncertainties stemming from geopolitical conflicts in West Asia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, University of Malaya's Asia-Europe Institute executive director Rajah Rasiah emphasized the necessity of this move, highlighting that Malaysia has remained a net food importer since 1989. Rasiah noted that the ongoing crisis should act as a catalyst for the Malaysian government to amplify domestic food production, ensuring a sustainable food supply.

Rasiah pointed to historical practices initiated by former Prime Minister Abdul Razak Hussein, such as the Green Book Programme, as essential measures to increase intensive food production. He stressed the importance of reversing the declining trend in food production capacity, sharing these insights during an appearance on the Ruang Bicara programme broadcast on Bernama TV.

Further, Rasiah highlighted Malaysia's advantage as a net exporter of oil and gas, which offsets the impact of rising global energy prices. This position, he argued, helps the country maintain economic stability when compared to other nations that rely heavily on imports. He added that Malaysia's robust economic management and trade surpluses provide a solid foundation for the nation to withstand the prolonged geopolitical crisis.

Meanwhile, Prof Novel Lyndon of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Centre for Research in Development, Social and Environment, advised the government to thoroughly assess the short-, medium-, and long-term impacts of the conflict. He underscored the need for clear communication between the government and the public to prevent unnecessary panic, such as panic buying, which could arise from misinformation or lack of information.

Lyndon asserted that panic buying is unwarranted in a well-managed country like Malaysia. He urged the government to prioritize transparent and effective communication strategies to reassure the public and maintain societal calm during these uncertain times.