PUTRAJAYA May 1, 2026 – Malaysia continues its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation to ensure ASEAN’s food security following the participation of Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, in the Special Meeting of ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) held virtually on 29 April 2026.
The meeting discussed the latest developments in West Asia and their impact on regional food security, including implications for the agriculture sector, trade, and basic food inputs.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Malaysia’s participation in the meeting reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to bolstering the resilience of ASEAN’s food supply and enhancing regional cooperation in facing global uncertainties that could affect the agriculture, trade, and basic food input sectors.
“Malaysia supports joint ASEAN efforts to enhance technical cooperation, capacity building, and investment in sustainable, inclusive, climate-resilient, and regenerative agricultural systems,” the ministry stated.
The ministry emphasised that stronger cross-sectoral coordination within ASEAN is crucial to address interconnected challenges involving energy security, fertiliser supply, logistics, and overall food security in a comprehensive and structured manner. The meeting also designated the ASEAN Secretariat as the coordination centre to liaise with stakeholders, dialogue partners, and relevant sectoral working groups.
Malaysia also shared its domestic preparedness measures in managing external risks. These include activating crisis management mechanisms, weekly inter-ministerial monitoring meetings, and close coordination led by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to ensure food supply remains stable and inflationary pressure can be controlled.
Priority commodities under close monitoring include chicken and eggs, selected vegetables, fisheries products, and rice. Major risk factors such as diesel supply, fertiliser availability, and animal feed costs continue to be assessed from time to time.
The ministry remains committed to implementing proactive planning, targeted interventions, and strengthening ASEAN cooperation to ensure regional food security, protect supply chains, and deliver long-term benefits to the people of ASEAN.
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