by HAJAR UMIRA MD ZAKI / pic by HUSSEIN SHAHARUDDIN

THE Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) is leading a study on the establishment of a food security agency.

Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin (picture) said discussions are underway as the agency would involve other sectors as well.

“The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is not the only one involved in food security matters as we are more focused on food production, while food security needs to cover other areas such as affordability, among others,” he said at a press conference during the Malaysian International Food and Beverage Trade Fair 2023 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, today.

At Dewan Rakyat on June 20, 2023, Chan mentioned that the ministry was looking into the proposal to set up a special agency to improve food security.

During the session, Chan highlighted that the establishment would need further evaluation on the implications of legislation, finances, human resources and adjustments to the functions and roles of ministries.