Malaysia Targets 50% Food Import Reduction by 2050

Malaysia plans to significantly cut its reliance on imported food, targeting a 50% reduction in import dependency by 2050. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that this move is crucial given the nation's current annual food import bill, which stands at approximately RM80 billion.

To achieve this ambitious goal, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), under which Ahmad Zahid also chairs the Food Security Implementation Committee, has been driving various food security initiatives over the past three years. Projections suggest a 15% reduction by 2030 and a 30% reduction by 2040, paving the way to reach the 50% target before 2050.

“

For 2030, I think we can reduce by at least 15 percent. Year 2040, it will reach the figure of 30 percent and I think to achieve the level of 50 percent reduction in imports is before the year 2050.

A key strategy involves leveraging idle government land for high-impact agricultural and livestock projects. Lands that are currently underutilized will be transformed for agricultural purposes, contributing to national food security. This effort involves collaboration with numerous parties, including the veterinary department and agencies like Felcra, alongside other agricultural bodies under state governments and the KKDW.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that these initiatives are coordinated by the KKDW, even though some fall under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. This cross-ministerial coordination underscores the government's commitment to enhancing food self-sufficiency.

“

Lands that are less or not fully utilized will be converted for various agricultural projects for food security and livestock.