Climate change threatens rice supply, Malaysia needs to strengthen domestic production

KUCHING, 6 Oct: Climate change and rising natural disasters in rice-producing countries have the potential to affect global food supply chains, thus encouraging Malaysia to strengthen domestic rice production to ensure national food security.

Sarawak's Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said climate change is causing uncertainty in food production as producer countries face natural disasters such as floods and glacial melting.

According to him, the situation could affect the supply of imported rice in Malaysia, especially if the producing country is no longer able to maintain its export capacity as before.

"The world is facing two related issues. One is climate change, and another that arises from climate change is food security because there is uncertainty", he said while addressing the Sarawak Priests' Conference (SARICON) II 2026 here today.

Brother Johari said the natural disasters that have occurred in several countries including Nepal, Pakistan and Thailand show how climate change can affect economic activity and food production.

He said the situation should be taken into consideration as rice is a staple food of Malaysians and the country cannot rely too heavily on external supplies.

"Purse is our staple food. So we need to increase our own food production", he said.

Brother Johari said production instability in rice-producing countries like Vietnam and Pakistan also has the potential to affect Malaysia's import supply.

He emphasized that, with climate change increasingly putting pressure on the global food system, Malaysia needs to have a stronger domestic production capacity to reduce the risk of disruption of supplies from abroad.

As such, he said, Sarawak wants to play a greater role in strengthening the country's food security by leveraging the state's land resources and modern agricultural technology. - TVS