In-depth reporting on Malaysia and the region.
Malaysia maintains 1.237 million tonnes of rice reserves providing six months' supply, the deputy agriculture minister told parliament, as the government pursues drought-resistant varieties and subsidies to bolster food security.
The Malaysia Social Innovation Programme has reached more than 6,700 community members through 67 projects worth RM13.97 million since 2021, with technology-driven initiatives like aquaponics systems delivering sustainable food production and economic opportunities.
Malaysia's amended rice control law will spare paddy farmers from enforcement action, focusing instead on wholesalers, millers, and those engaged in smuggling and hoarding, Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin announced.
Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has underscored food security as a national strategic priority, citing geopolitical tensions and climate challenges. He launched Labuan's Road to MAHA 2026 programme, promoting modernisation in Malaysia's agri-food sector.
Brunei's Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen has called for deeper ASEAN cooperation on food and energy security, proposing new mechanisms to tackle supply chain disruptions and regional vulnerabilities at multilateral meetings in Manila.
An estimated 1.4 million people in Gaza are projected to experience severe acute food insecurity through December 2026, with the crisis deepening despite recent humanitarian gains, according to new UN food security analysis.
Employment among agricultural TVET graduates in Malaysia has climbed to 76% in 2024, up from 61% six years earlier, yet remains significantly below the national TVET average of 95%, signalling unmet potential in the sector.
Indonesia's free meals agency has appointed Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono as its new chief following the abrupt resignation of Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, who cited health stress. The programme continues grappling with corruption investigations, operational setbacks, and scaling challenges.
The Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam Foundation has unveiled a food bank programme targeting 2,000 needy families in Melaka, distributing monthly food kits over 12 months to ease living costs for vulnerable groups.
Malaysia's Food and Drinks Malaysia exhibition aims to exceed last year's RM1.081 billion in sales, buoyed by rising international participation and industry confidence despite supply chain disruptions and escalating food prices.
Malaysia's government is directing savings from the targeted RON95 petrol subsidy mechanism into expanded social protection programmes, food security initiatives, and business support rather than retaining funds as fiscal surplus.
An economist has advised that Malaysia's proposed petroleum reserve should form part of a comprehensive economic security strategy rather than function as an isolated energy initiative, encompassing food security, critical minerals, semiconductors and digital infrastructure.
Malaysia's agriculture ministry has cautioned durian producers to adhere strictly to phytosanitary requirements agreed with China, warning that unauthorised export methods could jeopardise the entire sector's access to its largest market.
Six men have been charged in Shah Alam Sessions Court with illegally possessing more than six tonnes of subsidised cooking oil without a valid licence, highlighting ongoing enforcement challenges in Malaysia's food subsidy system.
Malaysia is ramping up defences against El Niño by boosting water management efficiency, deploying advanced irrigation technology, and distributing millions in aid to rice farmers facing drought conditions.
Malaysia is pushing to break through Thailand's nine-year shrimp export restrictions and secure market access for livestock products, with discussions underway at the highest government levels.
The Dewan Rakyat convened to scrutinise government readiness against the looming El Niño phenomenon, investigate a deadly hand grenade incident during armed forces training, and examine rising non-communicable diseases among young Malaysians.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to take immediate action to shield Malaysia's food supply from the looming Super El Niño phenomenon, which could severely disrupt agricultural production across the region.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the agriculture ministry to urgently develop strategies to counteract anticipated food production disruptions from Super El Niño conditions expected to arrive in Malaysia from November.
Singapore and Malaysia have pledged to deepen cooperation in food security, energy, climate adaptation and technical education. The commitment emerged during President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's inaugural state visit to Malaysia this week.
Indonesia's state logistics agency Bulog is pressing ahead with negotiations to export rice to Malaysia and Singapore, with talks focusing on pricing structures and delivery arrangements for substantial shipments.
Malaysia's parliament has approved amendments to strengthen food security and combat smuggling in the rice industry, imposing substantially higher penalties for violations following 32 years without regulatory updates.
Malaysia's rice supply remains secure with a six-month buffer stock in place, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah confirmed. The government has pledged to keep Local White Rice prices stable while supporting paddy farmers with RM45.98 million in incentives.
Parliament convenes for a 16-day sitting with lawmakers set to probe Malaysia's UN reform agenda, government preparedness for food shortages, military supply chain risks, and green hydrogen ambitions for Sarawak.
Malaysian police seized RM6.19 million in frozen pork products lacking proper import permits during a Miri warehouse raid, arresting a 26-year-old suspect. The operation reflects intensified enforcement against illegal food imports.
Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat advanced two competition amendment bills and tabled rice industry regulations during its third sitting week, while MPs debated press freedom, MSME financing, and 1MDB's RM51.4 billion liabilities.
Malaysia and Thailand have deepened agricultural cooperation through a comprehensive memorandum of understanding, resolving longstanding trade disputes over shrimp and barramundi while targeting US$30 billion in bilateral trade.
Malaysia and Thailand have settled longstanding fisheries disputes and agreed to implement a comprehensive Agricultural Cooperation MoU within seven days, signalling strengthened regional food security ties.
Malaysia has maintained stable food prices despite Middle East tensions disrupting global oil and plastic supplies through targeted government subsidies, increased agricultural incentives, and strategic stockpiling, though long-term resilience requires boosting domestic production.
Malaysia's parliament has begun debating legislation to expand government authority over rice and padi pricing while imposing penalties up to RM1 million on corporate offenders, marking a major shift in agricultural market regulation.
Malaysia is negotiating with Thailand and China's General Administration of Customs to create a land-based export corridor for durians, targeting lower shipping costs and access to smaller Chinese cities amid current market oversupply.
An oil palm smallholder in Johor has transformed a RM15,000 government grant into nearly RM126,000 in gross income through an innovative duck farming venture on his plantation, showcasing how agricultural integration can diversify rural earnings.
Indonesia's drought emergency is expanding rapidly as El Niño intensifies the dry season. Thousands of households lack clean water, and authorities warn of potential food security threats and record rice prices unless water infrastructure is urgently secured.
Malaysia is targeting a 50% reduction in food imports by 2050 as part of a long-term food security strategy. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi outlined a phased approach with 15% cuts targeted by 2030.
Malaysia's agricultural research institute is developing homegrown onion varieties to reduce the country's heavy dependence on imports, potentially saving RM300 million annually by 2030 and boosting food security across Southeast Asia.
An abandoned field behind 1Razak Mansion in Kuala Lumpur has been transformed into a thriving food forest, providing senior residents with physical activity, affordable food, and renewed purpose through community gardening.
Firefighters extinguished a blaze at multiple floating fish farms off Pulau Ubin on June 24, believed sparked by lightning striking solar panels. One farm owner reported losses exceeding S$120,000 with no insurance coverage available.