BY NORAZILAWATI MD DAHLAL and

NURHIDAYU AL-SAARI International Institute for Halal Research and Training ( INHART ), International Islamic University Malaysia

Recent government pronouncements have reassured citizens that the nation ’ s food supply is sufficient to withstand potential global disruptions , including war ( Aslinda Nasir & Hafiz Saidina , 2024 ). But how valid is this claim ? In times of crisis , food security is more than a logistical concern . It ’ s a matter of survival .

While Malaysia enjoys a strategic geographic location and abundant natural resources , questions remain about whether the country is fully capitalising on its agricultural potential to ensure self-sufficiency . Can Malaysia sustain itself independently if global supply chains were to collapse , or are we overly reliant on imports for critical food items ? These questions demand serious reflection and the development of forward-thinking strategies .

It is essential to look beyond

reassurances and address the reality of Malaysia ’ s food security . As global conflicts and climate change exacerbate vulnerabilities in food systems , Malaysia must prioritise strengthening its domestic production , leveraging its geographic advantages , and reducing dependence on external sources .

This involves not only scaling up food production but also ensuring ethical , sustainable , and efficient practices that align with halal principles . Ultimately , the question is not just about surviving but thriving in a way that safeguards the nation ’ s food sovereignty and resilience for generations to come .

SELF-SUFFICIENCY RATIOS ( SSR )

The Self-Sufficiency Ratio ( SSR ) serves as a crucial indicator of Malaysia ’ s ability to produce its food to meet domestic demand . While the government has made efforts to boost SSR for key food commodities , the figures reveal a mixed reality that demands urgent attention and action .

Rice , the staple of Malaysian diets , highlights one such challenge . Currently , Malaysia ’ s SSR for rice stands at approximately 62.6 per cent , which means the country still relies on imports to meet nearly 40 per cent of its domestic consumption . This reliance makes the rice supply vulnerable to global price fluctuations and export restrictions from major rice-producing countries , creating a precarious situation for food security .

The meat and dairy sectors face even starker deficits . The SSR for these protein sources , such as beef and mutton , are notably low , with figures hovering below 30 per cent . This heavy dependence on imports highlights a critical gap in Malaysia ’ s livestock capabilities that becomes especially pronounced during crises or when international trade is disrupted .

While Malaysia ’ s tropical climate supports the cultivation of a diverse range of fruits and vegetables , it presents significant challenges for certain crops , such as onions , chillies , and specific leafy greens . Onions , for instance , thrive in cooler , drier conditions , which are not typical of Malaysia ’ s humid and rainy environment .

This climatic mismatch often limits local production capacity ,

“ Community farming initiatives can further enhance selfreliance and foster collaboration among Malaysians . By implementing these strategies , Malaysia can bridge the gap in self-sufficiency ratios while building a resilient and sustainable agricultural system that secures its food sovereignty .”

necessitating reliance on imports to meet domestic demand . Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches , such as adopting climate-controlled farming systems , investing in the development of tropical-adapted crop varieties , and optimising agricultural practices for local conditions . These strategies could help Malaysia reduce its dependency on imports and strengthen its food security .

Conversely , fisheries emerge as a relative strength , boasting an SSR exceeding 90 per cent for seafood products . This success reflects Malaysia ’ s extensive coastal resources and thriving aquaculture industry . However , sustainable practices and climate resilience remain areas for improvement to ensure the long-term stability of this achievement .

Collectively , these SSR figures emphasise both the opportunities and challenges shaping Malaysia ’ s food security landscape . Achieving complete self-sufficiency remains a daunting task , hindered by factors such as urbanisation , limited arable land , and the growing impact of climate change . Additionally , inefficiencies in supply chains and significant post-harvest losses further exacerbate the nation ’ s food

security vulnerabilities .

Despite the challenges , Malaysia ’ s geographic and agricultural potential offers a strong foundation for improving food security . One critical approach is the adoption of innovative farming technologies , such as precision agriculture and IoT-based systems , which can optimise yields and enhance productivity on limited arable land .

Additionally , expanding halalcertified agricultural practices should be a national priority . This not only aligns with Islamic principles but also strengthens Malaysia ’ s position as a global leader in the halal food industry , ensuring ethical , sustainable , and high-quality food production . Farmers and producers must be empowered with the knowledge and resources to incorporate halal standards seamlessly into their agricultural processes .

Moreover , increased investment in local food production and the promotion of urban farming and community agriculture can drive localised solutions to food security challenges . Urban farming transforms underutilised spaces into productive agricultural zones , reducing reliance on imports while engaging citizens in food cultivation .

Community farming initiatives can further enhance self-reliance and foster collaboration among Malaysians . By implementing these strategies , Malaysia can bridge the gap in self-sufficiency ratios while building a resilient and sustainable agricultural system that secures its food sovereignty .

By addressing these challenges head-on and capitalising on its strengths , Malaysia can move closer to answering the critical question : Can the nation truly survive on its own ?

EMPOWERING MALAYSIANS

As citizens , we cannot rely solely on government claims and assurances , much like a child being spoon-fed without understanding the source of their sustenance . Food security is a shared responsibility , and there are actionable steps that individuals and communities can take to strengthen Malaysia ’ s food resilience . Active participation from everyone can turn the tide in Malaysia ’ s favour . Here are the key steps