Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia has not experienced any food shortage despite global supply chain disruptions triggered by the West Asian conflict, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said.
He said although the crisis has evolved from an energy shock into a broader global supply challenge, the government’s priority remains to ensure that supply chains continue functioning.
“Supply disruptions may occur temporarily, but what is important is that they do not stop entirely. If supply is cut off, even if you have money, you cannot purchase goods,” he said after officiating the Sabah International Food Expo (Sifex) 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) last Saturday.
Chan noted that potential disruptions could arise from constraints along key global routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, which may affect supply chains and lead to higher prices.
However, he said current indicators show resilience, with business activity and consumer spending remaining steady despite global uncertainties.
“In short, we are not facing any food shortage at this time,” he said, adding that strong public turnout at weekend markets such as Gaya Street reflects stable supply and demand.
He added that Malaysia remains among the more resilient countries in the region in managing supply chain disruptions.
In his earlier speech, Chan said the global crisis has disrupted key energy routes and increased the cost of fuel, transportation, fertilisers and food, contributing to broader supply chain pressures.
To address this, the government has adopted three key approaches: ensuring sufficient essential supplies, prioritising distribution, and managing price increases within its fiscal capacity.
“As of April 2026, about RM7 billion has been spent on petrol and diesel subsidies,” he said, adding that targeted subsidies remain in place to ease the burden on consumers while maintaining supply continuity.
He explained that measures such as limiting subsidised RON95 fuel quotas do not affect overall access, as consumers still retain their entitlement to purchase fuel.
Chan also highlighted ongoing social protection initiatives, including Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara), and Payung Rahmah, which continue to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
Programmes such as Jualan Rahmah Madani and Jualan Agro Madani offer savings of between 10 and 30 per cent on essential goods and are being expanded nationwide.
On the agri-food sector, he said assistance for farmers and smallholders has been enhanced through subsidies and incentives aimed at stabilising production costs and ensuring supply chain continuity.
He also emphasised stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments, including the appointment of the State Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry (Maffi) as coordinator for the National Agriculture and Food Empowerment Programme (PPAN) in Sabah.
Among the proposed high-impact projects are a fisheries jetty in Sepanggar, a rice processing plant in Kota Belud, grain corn cultivation in Trusan Sapi, and a pig farming hub in Tongod.
Chan also promoted urban smart farming as a practical solution to rising production costs, describing it as a method that integrates modern technology and sustainable practices to produce food efficiently in limited spaces.
A pilot project involving mustard greens has already been implemented at Wisma Tani, and he expressed hope that the initiative could be expanded nationwide.
He assured that staple food supply, particularly rice in Sabah, remains sufficient.
“We will ensure there is always rice on the table,” he said.
Meanwhile, ESM Exhibitor Relations Malaysia director Datuk Dayang Khatijah Datu Bachtiyal said the expo has received an encouraging response, exceeding expectations from both the public and business community.
“The reception has been very encouraging and it motivates us to continue organising the event,” she said.
Chan added that Sifex has grown significantly since its inception in 2023, expanding from about 250 booths to more than 400 this year.
The fourth edition has attracted participants from Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and neighbouring countries including Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan.
He said support from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry reflects confidence in Sabah’s potential as an expo-driven tourism destination.
“Sifex proves the state has strong potential as a hub for expo-based tourism,” he said, while commending women entrepreneurs behind the event for their leadership.
The expo is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors over three days, generating both business-to-consumer (B2C) sales and business-to-business (B2B) opportunities.
Sifex 2026, themed “Tasting Tomorrow’s Market”, continues to receive strong response from both the public and business community.
Also present was Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot.
