No need to stockpile food, Malaysia has at least six months of supply, says Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi speaks at a press conference after chairing the Malaysia-China Cooperation Meeting on Investment, Trade and Economic Empowerment in Kuala Lumpur on November 2, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 02 Nov 2026 4:08 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 — Malaysia has sufficient food supply capacity for at least six months and sees no need for emergency stockpiling measures despite concerns over potential disruptions to essential supplies, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

He said the government continued to ensure national food security and adequate supplies of essential goods for Malaysians and others residing in the country.

“We see no need for such measures because our food security and stock levels are sufficient.

“We know that we have the capacity to sustain food security for at least six months,” he told reporters after attending the Malaysia-China Cooperation Meeting on Investment, Trade and Economic Empowerment here today.

Ahmad Zahid was responding to reports that several countries had advised their citizens to stockpile food and essential supplies in preparation for possible emergencies.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that Malaysia was not facing an emergency that would require the public to stock up on basic necessities.

“We are not in a state of emergency and, Insya-Allah, we are far from such a situation,” he said.

Previously, at least 33 countries were reportedly issuing preparedness guidelines encouraging citizens to keep emergency supplies of food, drinking water and other essentials.

According to international media reports, the advisories were prompted by various global threats, including armed conflicts, extreme weather, power outages and cyberattacks.

Among the countries stepping up preparedness campaigns are France and the United Kingdom, which have advised households to maintain at least 72 hours, or three days, of essential supplies. — Bernama