Malaysia now net chicken importer again as supply fails to meet demand
The development was revealed by the Agro-Food Productivity Nexus (AFPN), which expressed concern over the nation's food supply security, despite Malaysia's overall improvement in global competitiveness rankings.
According to highlighted data, the Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL) for chicken dropped to 90.2 per cent in 2023, a significant decline from the 100.2 per cent recorded in 2021, indicating that the country is now reliant on external sources to meet domestic demand.
While Malaysia has made gains in the World Competitiveness Ranking, key indicators for the agro-food sector, such as price competitiveness, productivity and innovation, remain sluggish and underwhelming.
AFPN said that the issue goes beyond the number of chickens farmed and involves the entire supply chain. Although chickens are reared locally, the sector remains heavily dependent on imported animal feed.
This dependence leaves the country's poultry industry highly vulnerable to global shocks such as wars, pandemics, and currency exchange fluctuations that could suddenly inflate production costs.
Commenting on the issue, Malaysian Productivity Corporation (MPC) director-general Datuk Zahid Ismail said food security is not solely about supply, but also about long-term resilience and competitiveness.
"We must remove systemic barriers, open pathways for innovation, and create an ecosystem that enables farmers to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national productivity," he said.
In response, AFPN called for more targeted and responsive policies to strengthen food security.
Among the proposed measures are easing entry for new farmers, supporting the expansion of existing operations through better land access, restructuring of approval processes, and reducing bureaucratic red tape.
It also emphasised the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of digital technology in agriculture.
However, Zahid cautioned that efforts are being hindered by inadequate internet connectivity in rural areas.
"Digital adoption is a key driver of agro-food productivity, but connectivity must come first. Immediate, targeted investment in rural digital infrastructure is vital so that no farmer is left behind as the nation moves towards smart agriculture," he added.
As such, AFPN is urging the government to fast-track the sector's modernisation through investments in smart farming, empowering young agropreneurs, and fostering strong public-private partnerships to build a more secure and resilient national food system.
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