Food security remains a key priority of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Drawing lessons from managing the COVID-19 crisis, the ministry continues to implement proactive measures to minimise disruptions to the national food supply chain and ensure that food security is maintained.
The importance of maintaining national food security was highlighted by Coordinating Minister of Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin in response to a question raised by Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin on the second day of the Second Meeting of the 22nd LegCo Session.
Outlining key initiatives, the minister shared that the government is strengthening the assessment and monitoring of food supply data, including early assessments of domestic production costs, fertiliser prices, and essential food items like rice, chicken, eggs, meat, vegetables, and fish. The entire value chain is also being reinforced by maintaining fertiliser stocks sufficient for at least three months and poultry feed stocks for at least six months.
Furthermore, export initiatives are being enhanced to increase production capacity beyond domestic needs, with the country achieving over 112 per cent self-sufficiency in chicken egg production. Inter-agency collaboration has also been fortified through the National Committee on Addressing the Impact of the situation in the Middle East to study resilience against geopolitical and energy issues affecting food security.
At the international level, Brunei Darussalam signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Singapore on Strengthening Trade and Investment Cooperation in Food and Medical Products to safeguard supplies during crises, supported by two dedicated joint working groups. The minister added that a well-structured communication strategy and continuous engagement with food producers, retailers, and importers remain vital. During the pandemic, such consultations successfully helped key stakeholders diversify import sources to competitive suppliers capable of ensuring reliable supply.
(news source: Borneo Bulletin ; pic source: Info Foto, Jbt Penerangan)
