Food is one of the basic human needs. Humans need a balanced diet to get the energy and nutrients the body needs to move actively. Good food not only takes into account the nutrient content contained but also safety in terms of chemical, physical and biological hazards in food should also be emphasized.

Population growth in most countries, especially in developing countries such as Malaysia, poses a serious threat to food security. With the rapid population growth, demand for food is expected to increase by 70% to 100% by 2050. Therefore, food security needs to be given more serious attention as it is an important element in Malaysia's economic growth while meeting the basic needs of the population.

Therefore, the country's food system needs to be strengthened to be more resilient and sustainable. This includes improving network performance in all activities related to production, processing, distribution, preparation xxxx.

 

“Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life”. (FAO, 2001)

In strengthening national food security, the National Food Security Framework (KSMN) which includes four (4) main components namely availability, accessibility, utilization and stability and sustainability has been developed. These key components are in line with the latest concepts recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

These components will be supported by key strategies, supports and enablers that focus on political, social, economic, environmental and technological factors. It also covers aspects of employment, stability and sustainability of resources, climate change, investment, studies and research as well as food security governance structures across agencies and ministries.

 

National Food Security Framework

The Cabinet Committee on National Food Security Policy (FSCC) plays a role in formulating a holistic and sustainable national food security policy. This committee will be assisted by the Executive Committee on National Food Security Policy which serves as the coordinating committee and is chaired by the Honorable Minister of MAFI. The Executive Committee is comprised of Secretaries-General of Ministries and Directors-General of Departments, Governors of Bank Negara, Industry Players, Agricultural Experts in Academia and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) related to the agro-food sector.

 

 

In this regard, four (4) clusters or technical working groups have been established across three ministries and one agency, namely:

1. Availability Cluster under the Secretariat of the National Agricultural Advisory Council (MPPN), Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry;
2. Accessibility Cluster under the Secretariat of the National Subsistence Action Council (NACCOL), Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs;
3. Food and Nutrition Safety Cluster under the Secretariat of the National Food and Nutrition Safety Council (MKMPK), Ministry of Health Malaysia; and
4. Stability and Sustainability Cluster under the Secretariat National Food Security Cabinet Committee (Secretariat FSCC), Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry and the National Security Council.

 

These four clusters serve to highlight issues and proposed solutions in relation to the food system chain and the implementation of strategies that have been identified.