In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty, food security is no longer a distant policy ambition. It is an urgent national priority. For Malaysia, and more specifically Sarawak, the question is no longer whether we should act, but how quickly and effectively we can transform our agrofood system to ensure resilience, sustainability and self-reliance.

For decades, Malaysia has lived with a structural vulnerability that has often gone underappreciated: our heavy dependence on imported food. While the country enjoys relative stability and access to global markets, this reliance has exposed us to external shocks.

In 2020, Malaysia’s food import bill stood at RM55.5 billion. More recent estimates suggest that this figure has continued to climb, exceeding RM70 billion in recent years, driven by rising global prices, currency fluctuations and increased domestic demand. This widening gap between what we produce and what we consume is not merely an economic concern, it is a strategic risk.

Let’s look at land use in Malaysia. While land is plentiful, less than 10 per cent of Malaysia’s agricultural land is dedicated to food crops, while more than 90 per cent is occupied by industrial crops such as oil palm and rubber. While these crops have long been pillars of our export economy, they do little to feed the nation. This imbalance necessitates the urgency of reassessing our priorities if we are serious about achieving food sovereignty.

Sarawak, however, is charting a different course. One that is both ambitious and necessary. Under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the state has embraced a forward-looking food policy anchored in the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

The vision is clear: to transform Sarawak from a net food importer into a net exporter by the end of the decade, while addressing a food trade deficit that has reached RM5.67 billion.

This is no small undertaking. It requires a fundamental transformation of the way agriculture and livestock are practised, managed and integrated into the broader economic ecosystem. At the heart of Sarawak’s strategy is the shift from conventional farming to high-tech, digital-enabled agriculture, what is often referred to as smart farming. This involves the use of precision agriculture, automation, data analytics and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enhance productivity, optimize resource use and reduce waste.

Equally critical is the expansion of paddy cultivation. Rice remains the staple food of Malaysians, and ensuring a stable and sufficient supply is central to national food security. Sarawak has set its sights on becoming a “rice bowl” for the country, with efforts underway to increase acreage, improve yields and adopt modern irrigation and mechanisation techniques.

These initiatives are aligned with the national target of raising rice self-sufficiency levels to 80 per cent by 2030, supported by programmes such as Padi Wave, which aims to achieve yields of five metric tonnes per hectare.

But food security is not just about crops. Livestock plays an equally vital role, particularly in addressing Malaysia’s heavy reliance on imported meat and dairy products. While the country is largely self-sufficient in poultry and eggs, the ruminant sector, namely beef, mutton and dairy, remains underdeveloped. This is where Sarawak’s targeted approach offers a promising model.

The development of regional livestock hubs in areas such as Limbang and Lawas, focusing on buffalo production, is a strategic move to build capacity and reduce dependence on imports. Supported by state grants, modern breeding techniques and processing facilities, these hubs are designed to create a sustainable and scalable livestock ecosystem. By integrating upstream production with downstream processing and distribution, Sarawak is laying the groundwork for a more resilient supply chain.

Infrastructure and logistics are also key components of this transformation. One of the persistent challenges in the agrofood sector is post-harvest loss, often caused by inadequate storage, transportation and distribution systems. By investing in cold chain logistics, rural connectivity and modern processing facilities, the state is not only reducing waste but also ensuring that food reaches markets efficiently and affordably.

At the national level, these efforts are reinforced by a comprehensive policy framework. The National Food Security Policy 2030 (Dasar Keterjaminan Makanan Negara 2030 or DKMN 2030) reflects a whole-of-nation approach to addressing food security challenges. It stresses increasing self-sufficiency levels, modernising agricultural practices and reducing reliance on imports.

More importantly, it recognises that food security cannot be achieved in silos. Crops, livestock and fisheries must be developed in tandem, supported by technology, innovation and sustainable practices.

The National Agrofood Policy 2021–2030 (NAP 2.0) further strengthens this framework by focusing on key sub-sectors such as paddy and rice, fruits and vegetables, livestock and fisheries. It aims not only to boost production but also to enhance farmer incomes, making agriculture a viable and attractive livelihood. This is particularly important in addressing the ageing farmer population and encouraging youth participation in the sector.

Looking ahead, the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) for the period 2026 to 2030 positions food security as a critical national interest. It stresses the need for long-term sustainability, resilience and inclusivity in the agrofood sector. This includes promoting climate-smart agriculture, strengthening research and development, and fostering public-private partnerships to drive innovation.

Yet, policies and plans alone are not enough. What is required is a sense of urgency and a collective commitment to change. The global landscape is evolving rapidly, and countries that fail to secure their food systems risk being left vulnerable to external pressures. For Malaysia, the path forward lies in embracing technology, investing in infrastructure and empowering farmers and agro-entrepreneurs.

Sarawak’s approach offers valuable lessons in this regard. By aligning its state-level initiatives with national policies, and by leveraging its unique strengths in abundant land, water resources and a supportive political leadership, the state is positioning itself as a key player in Malaysia’s food security agenda. The emphasis on sustainability is particularly noteworthy, as it ensures that growth does not come at the expense of environmental integrity.

At the same time, there is a need to address structural challenges that continue to hinder progress. These include fragmented land ownership, limited access to financing, and gaps in technical expertise. Bridging these gaps will require coordinated efforts across government agencies, the private sector and academic institutions.

Eventually, food security is about more than just supply and demand. It is about ensuring that every Malaysian has access to safe, nutritious and affordable food, regardless of external conditions. It is about building a system that is resilient in the face of shocks, adaptable to changing circumstances and sustainable for future generations.

Livestock and agriculture are not merely sectors of the economy; they are the backbone of our national survival. As Sarawak pushes forward with its bold vision to become a net food exporter and a rice bowl for the nation, it is sending a clear message: that with the right policies, investments and determination, food security is not an unattainable dream, but a realistic and necessary goal.

And as we look to the future, one thing is certain. Nations that control their food destiny will stand stronger, steadier and more secure. For Malaysia, the time to act is now. Not tomorrow, not in the next plan, but today; because food security delayed is food security denied.