Minister urges agriculture industry players to increase productivity

KUALA LUMPUR,  April 8 -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry today called on farmers, fishermen and breeders to increase their productivity to meet the demand.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said they are part of the essential services and are needed to ensure continued food supply.

“The ministry is taking proactive measures to ensure food supply including rice, meat, fish and vegetables is sufficient during the Movement Control Order (MCO) which enters its third week.

“Among those measures are collaborations with other ministries to ensure logistics providers, warehouses and factories, which support the chain of supply, are allowed to continue to operate,” he said in a public service message, aired on television today.

Previously, the ministry was reported as saying that 97 fresh produce centres will be opened in stages until April 14 across the country to ensure continued food supply while increasing increase the efficiency of the food distribution.

Kiandee also advised Malaysians not to do panic buying or food hoarding.

“Do not worry, my ministry will continue to monitor and collaborate with manufacturers, distributors and other ministries and government agencies to ensure food supply remains stable and under control during the MCO,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the ministry would take necessary actions to help overcome problems faced by the farmers, fishermen and breeders. 

“I have faith in Malaysians to remain strong in facing challenges during the MCO. Please continue to stay at home and stay safe,” he added.

--  BERNAMA