ALOR STAR: The reform initiated by the government to merge seven enforcement agencies under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry will not only strengthen enforcement but also strengthen the country's food security.
Kedah Consumers Association president Yusrizal Yusoff praised such a move, which he believed could help to resolve issues from overlapping authority among agencies under the ministry.
"As a consumer organisation, we support any efforts by the authorities to improve enforcement of economic practices within the agricultural sector.
"This is essential to maintaining a steady supply of key food items for the public, especially underprivileged groups, such as rice and eggs," he said when contacted today.
Following the reforms, Yusrizal said he hopes the ministry will pay close attention and find solutions to the issues affecting the country's supply of key food items, such as the ongoing local white rice shortage, which he claimed has persisted for over a year.
Earlier, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced that seven enforcement agencies under the ministry would be merged to strengthen oversight of the agri-food sector.
The agencies include the Rice and Padi Regulatory Division, the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Fisheries, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority, the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia, and the Department of Veterinary Services.
He said the consolidation would involve 2,030 enforcement personnel and 14 laws, aimed at enhancing enforcement and tackling issues such as leakage and smuggling.
Mohamad also said the ministry is reviewing the egg subsidy for grades A, B, and C, which may be lifted as supply stabilises.
Meanwhile, Yusrizal urged the government to ensure that businesses do not take advantage of the announcement by significantly raising the prices of eggs in the market.
"Producers are already burdened with operational costs, so if the government floats egg prices, there's a risk some may hike them, passing the cost onto consumers," he said.