Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening national food security through policy reforms, strategic investments and closer coordination among government agencies to build a more resilient agri-food sector.

The commitment was made during the first National Food Security Council (MKMN) meeting of 2026, chaired by Anwar on July 15, where ministers and senior government officials discussed long-term strategies to enhance the country’s food security amid growing global challenges.

In a statement, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the council outlined a comprehensive national direction for food security while identifying strategic measures to strengthen Malaysia’s agri-food ecosystem.

Among the key proposals discussed was the development of alternative protein sources to diversify the country’s food supply and reduce dependence on conventional protein production.

The council also reviewed initiatives to improve the competitiveness of Malaysia’s agricultural sector, including efforts to enhance the services and operational efficiency of Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) slipway facilities to better support the fisheries industry.

The meeting noted that El Niño and the broader impacts of climate change continue to threaten food production through prolonged droughts and unpredictable weather.

To address these challenges, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has introduced preventive, adaptive and protective measures aimed at helping farmers and producers safeguard agricultural output, with climate resilience identified as a key pillar of the country’s food security strategy.

Council members also discussed several trade issues affecting Malaysia’s agriculture and fisheries sectors, including Thailand’s restrictions on Malaysian shrimp exports since 2017, Malaysia’s import restrictions on Thai shrimp introduced on June 1 this year, tighter inspections on Malaysian barramundi (siakap) exports to Thailand and pending market access applications for Malaysian livestock products awaiting approval since 2024.

The government said bilateral engagements are continuing to resolve the issues and improve market access for Malaysian agricultural products.

The council was also briefed on preparations for the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026, scheduled to be held from Aug 28 to Sept 6 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).

The biennial event is expected to showcase innovation, technology and sustainable transformation across Malaysia’s agri-food industry.

The government reiterated that ensuring food security remains a national priority requiring close cooperation among federal and state agencies, industry players, researchers and farmers to build a sustainable and competitive food system capable of withstanding future global challenges.