Madani govt to shield Malaysians from global shocks, says deputy minister

KOTA KINABALU (April 25): The Madani government will shield Malaysians from external shocks beyond national control through three key approaches amid escalating global uncertainties triggered by disruptions in West Asia, said Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin.

He said the current global situation mirrors past crises but is now far more complex.

“History reminds us of the 1973 oil crisis following the Arab-Israel war, which triggered global inflation. Malaysia responded with the Green Book Plan in 1974 to strengthen food security.

“However, today’s crisis is no longer confined to energy. It has become a global supply crisis affecting the entire economic system,” he said when launching the Sabah International Food Expo (SIFEX) 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.

Chan said the Madani government is focusing on three main strategies: ensuring sufficient supply of essential goods, managing distribution based on priority, and easing price pressures within fiscal capacity.

He said the government monitors key indicators daily and responds through mechanisms such as the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) to ensure targeted interventions.

On cost-of-living measures, he said targeted subsidies remain crucial, with about RM7 billion spent on RON95 petrol and diesel subsidies as of April this year.

Under the Budi Madani initiative, RON95 remains priced at RM1.99 per litre, while schemes such as SKPS and SKDS help key sectors like fisheries, transport and logistics operate at controlled costs.

He added that most diesel users remain shielded from global price fluctuations.

Chan also highlighted social protection programmes, including Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) and Payung Rahmah initiatives such as Rahmah Madani Sales and Agro Madani Sales programmes offering savings of 10 to 30 per cent.

For the agri-food sector, he said the government is working to stabilise production costs and strengthen food supply through schemes such as Budi Agri-Komoditi and Budi Diesel Individu, alongside enhanced incentives for padi farmers.

He also welcomed Sabah’s cooperation in agriculture reforms, following discussions with State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, including proposals to coordinate National Agriculture and Food Empowerment Programme (PPAN) projects in the state.

Among proposed projects are a fisheries jetty in Sepanggar, a rice processing plant in Kota Belud, grain corn cultivation in Trusan Sapi, and a pig farming centre in Tongod.

“Collaboration between federal and state governments will strengthen infrastructure, biosecurity and soil mapping to boost Sabah’s role in national food security,” he said.

Chan also encouraged smart urban farming to help manage rising production costs, noting successful implementation at Wisma Tani that could be expanded nationwide.

“The Madani government will not allow the people to be affected by food supply disruptions. We will ensure there is rice on the table every day,” he said.

SIFEX 2026, held from April 24 to 26, features more than 400 booths from Malaysia and neighbouring countries, and aims to position Sabah as a regional food tourism destination while promoting both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) engagement.