Lockdown: MAFI implements measures to ensure food supply chain not interrupted

Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, in a statement today said MAFI is committed to ensuring that the food supply chain in the country remains at a stable, adequate and controlled level, as well as ensuring its accessibility.

He said based on the livestock commodity data, it is expected that the supply of meat, poultry, eggs and milk in the country is sufficient to meet the needs of the people.

According to him, MAFI estimated that a total of 100,000 to 150,000 tonnes of rice, including in the event of panic buying, is needed throughout the 14-day lockdown period.

"The supply can be met based on the current rice stock available at manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, stands at 764,000 tonnes," he said.

Kiandee said to ensure continuous supply and uninterrupted production of rice, MAFI would ensure that the padi planting process and mill operations would be carried out in accordance with the standard operating procedures SOPs set by the National Security Council (MKN).

This includes permission for the distribution of agricultural input such as fertilisers, rice seeds and the use of harvesting machines during the period, he said.

Kiandee also said that padi planting and harvesting activities are currently being carried out in several states such as Penang, Perak, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu.

"The distribution of rice at the wholesaler and retailer level is also allowed in accordance with the SOPs set by MKN to ensure that supplies are not affected," he said.

Ronald said that the current stock of the country's fish supply is at 185,000 tonnes per month, compared to the current requirement of 155,000 tonnes per month.

A total of 89 fish markets and 33 fish collection and distribution centres nationwide would continue operating during the first phase of the total lockdown period, Ronald said.

To ensure the food supply accessibility to the public, he said MAFI, through the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (FAMA), has opened 43 controlled fresh market locations nationwide, comprising 24 permanent farmers' markets, three MyFarm outlets, 14 FAMA operation centres and two Agrobazaars, compared to 63 locations during the implementation of the Movement Control Order 1.0 last year.

"The reduction is due to the tightened SOPs imposed by MKN to address the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country," he added.

Ronald also advised industry players involved to contact departments or agencies under MAFI to obtain approval letters to operate during the total lockdown period.

The public can visit https://www.mafi.gov.my/ or contact MAFI's operations room at 03 88701663/ 1664/ 1491 or email [email protected] to obtain any information related to the agriculture sector and food industry, during the first phase of the total lockdown.