Malaysia Warns Kashmir Conflict Could Disrupt Rice Imports
Approximately 40% of Malaysia's imported rice supply comes from India and Pakistan.
Cover image via Malaysia has expressed concern that the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan could potentially disrupt its rice imports
The country relies heavily on these two nations for rice, with nearly 40% of its imported rice coming from them, according to Malaysian Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
Following India's strikes on Pakistan in response to a recent attack in Kashmir, Sabu highlighted the potential impact. He stated that any conflict affecting port operations or delivery infrastructure in India and Pakistan could directly disrupt the flow of rice to Malaysia.
Malaysia primarily imports white rice from India and basmati rice from Pakistan, both of which are key staples in the local diet
While the current rice supply in Malaysia remains stable, the government is actively exploring alternative suppliers in the region, such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, to ensure food security in the face of these geopolitical risks.
The minister warned that any escalation in the India-Pakistan situation could significantly impact rice prices and the consistency of supply to Malaysia.
Despite the potential disruption, Malaysia's rice supply is projected to last about half a year
According to Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, the nation currently holds a rice stockpile of 200,000 metric tonnes. He further stated that the total physical stock of rice available in the country amounts to a substantial 1,331,016 metric tonnes.
Based on these figures, the existing rice supply is sufficient to meet the domestic needs of Malaysia for approximately 6.66 months.
