PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has increased its rice reserve stock to 300,000 tonnes as a precautionary move to strengthen national food security.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (pic) said this was to ensure a stable and sufficient supply of rice for the country if external disruptions affected imports.

He said the additional stockpile would serve as a buffer to protect consumers and maintain price stability, while the government continues to closely monitor international developments.

“We are working hard to ensure that the people’s basic needs are well taken care of,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.

Mohamad said the increased buff­er stock was part of broader efforts to strengthen national food resilience amid uncertain global conditions, including geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains.

He urged the people to avoid wastage and practise prudent consumption habits, saying responsible usage would help maintain overall supply stability.

Earlier this month, the minister had urged the public not to engage in panic buying of rice despite concerns over tensions in the Middle East, saying Malaysia’s supply situation remained stable.

“If a household consumes two packets of rice a month, then stick to that amount.

“Do not increase it to four or five packets, as panic buying could disrupt market supply and encourage some traders to raise prices,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s rice supply was sufficient and expected to remain stable at least until the end of the year.

On March 13, Mohamad was reported to have said that the government had agreed to raise the national rice reserve stock to cover up to nine months of supply as a precautionary step.

Published Date: April 21, 2026