PUTRAJAYA: The government has agreed not to impose with immediate effect, the approved permit (AP) requirement to import foodstuffs into the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said this decision was reached at the Cabinet meeting chaired by him today towards ensuring sufficient food supply in the country.
"This will enable all parties to import any food items into the country," he told reporters after attending an Aidilfitri celebration hosted by the Prime Minister's Department (JPM) at Puspanitapuri, here.
Ismail Sabri said the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI) would later announce the details on the AP matter.
"Previously, there were the APs to import beef and cattle but from today, these are no longer required and anyone can import whatever food items to ensure sufficient supply," he added.
The media had earlier reported that Malaysia would be facing a serious food crisis if various problems such as inflation, oil price increase, extreme weather conditions, the COVID-19 pandemic and conflict between Russia and Ukraine continued.
Annually, Malaysia has been recording over RM50 billion on importing basic foodstuff such as rice at 30 per cent, beef (78 per cent), lamb (almost 90 per cent) and cabbage (60 per cent).
Ismail Sabri said he had also ordered MAFI to prepare short and long-term plans to avoid a food crisis in this country due to issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
"We know that the whole world is worried, not just us alone about the effects of the armed conflict which could cause food supply shortage.
"MAFI has also been asked to take immediate measures over the rising cost of living in this country," he said.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has had a worldwide impact where the inflation in several countries has risen.
On a chicken farming industry cartel reportedly planning to close their farms this weekend in protest against the delay of the subsidy payment of 60 sen on the chicken price, the prime minister said a certain procedure had reportedly caused the delay, so he had asked MAFI to speed up the payment.
The closure of the farms will not only drive the chicken market price up but consumers will also be struggling to get the rationed chicken supply while the business operations of the suppliers will also be adversely affected.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed May 18 2022
Ismail Sabri said he had also ordered MAFI to prepare short and long-term plans to avoid a food crisis in this country due to issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict. - Astro AWANI
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.