PUTRAJAYA: Importers must still obtain Import Permits (IP) when bringing in agro-food items into Malaysia for bio-security control at the country's borders.
The Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry (MAFI) in a statement today said this decision would also ensure that imported products are safe and free from pests or diseases.
"The decision to abolish Approved Permits (AP) was made by the cabinet. Although APs are no longer required to bring in agro-food commodities from abroad, importers must still have IPs to ensure bio-security control at the borders," the statement read.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government had decided to do away with APs effective immediately so that Malaysia would always have sufficient food supply.
It was previously reported that Malaysia may face a food crisis during the predicted inflation in the middle of this year given the rising global oil prices, extreme weather, Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian war on Ukraine.
To date, Malaysia has been spending over RM50 billion a year on imported basic food items such as rice (30 per cent), beef (78 per cent), mutton (90 per cent), and round cabbage (60 per cent).
The amount of the country's imported food continued to increase at a rate of 4.1 per cent a year, from RM45.3 billion in 2015 to RM55.4 billion last year.
According to the ministry, although the AP for most food items has been abolished, it is, however, maintained for importing rice.
"The ministry will continue to play an important role in ensuring continuity in the agro-food sector at all levels so that the public will get to have sufficient, safe and nutritious food.
"At the same time, the well-being of the local food producers will also be safeguarded."