GEORGE TOWN: Penang has enough food supply for the northeast monsoon period, said state Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol.
He said all food sources, including seafood, agriculture and livestock, were adequate for the needs of the people in the state.
"The northeast monsoon in expected to affect Penang for four days, from Oct 18 to Oct 21.
"I believe we won't have issues with food supply during this period.
"All agencies and departments are on standby to ensure the food supply is enough during the northeast monsoon period," he said at his office in Komtar here today.
He said about 90 per cent of livestock farmers in the state were located in areas not prone to flooding.
"Most farmers are not in flood-prone areas, so there should be no issues with livestock supply.
"But farmers are advised to ensure their animal feed is sufficient in case there are natural disasters during the northeast monsoon period."
On the rice supply, Fahmi said Penang's padi had been harvested.
"Padi in Penang have been harvested and supply will not be affected if there is flooding.
"There are no issues with rice supply because we bring in more imported rice than local rice.
"For the fish supply, the Penang Fisheries Department has advised fishermen and fish farmers to take precautions and remain vigilant during the monsoon season."
MetMalaysia expects the northeast monsoon to begin early next month.
Malaysia entered the monsoon transition phase on Sept 24. This is expected to continue until early next month, with flooding expected in several states.
The northeast monsoon may start in the fourth week of this month, a shift from the initial forecast of the first week of November.