Malaysia must boost rice self-sufficiency to 80 percent, says defence minister

Mohamad Sabu said achieving higher rice self-sufficiency levels would reduce Malaysia's dependence on imports and insulate the nation from international supply disruptions and price volatility. Speaking in Serdang on Monday, the defence minister stressed that food security remains a pressing national concern that demands immediate policy attention and investment.

Current domestic production falls short of meeting the country's total rice consumption, making Malaysia reliant on imports from major rice-producing nations. The minister's call reflects growing concerns among policymakers about the vulnerabilities posed by external supply chains, particularly given recent global disruptions to agricultural markets.

Raising the self-sufficiency ratio to 80 percent would require substantial increases in cultivated land, improved farming techniques, and greater support for rice farmers. Industry observers note that achieving this target hinges on modernizing agricultural practices and ensuring farmers receive adequate incentives to boost productivity.

The government has previously outlined strategies to enhance domestic rice production through land development programs and technology adoption. Officials acknowledge that reaching such ambitious targets will require coordinated efforts across multiple agencies and sustained commitment to agricultural development over several years.