The government has set a target to reduce Malaysia’s dependence on food imports by 50% by 2050, as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen national food security and reduce rising import costs.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said 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.
He said Malaysia currently spends around RM80 billion annually on imported food, adding that a coordinated effort is needed to reduce reliance on external supply chains and strengthen domestic production capacity.
The strategy, he said, will focus on optimising underutilised and idle land owned by agencies under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), converting it into agricultural and livestock production zones.
These sites will be developed under Agro MADANI initiatives, involving collaboration between agencies such as RISDA, FELCRA, the Department of Veterinary Services and state agricultural authorities.
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.
He added that strengthening local production capacity would help ensure consumers have access to more stable and reasonable food prices over the long term.
