According to Bernama, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this meant that the importation of food was now open to all to ensure an adequate supply of food in the country.

At a Hari Raya event today, Ismail said the agriculture and food industries ministry (Mafi) would announce further details on the matter.

“Previously, there were APs to import beef and cattle but from today, these are no longer required and anyone can import whatever food items to ensure sufficient supply,” he added.

He said Mafi had been directed to prepare a short and long-term plan to avoid a potential food crisis in view of the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war.

“We’re not the only ones concerned about the effects of the war in terms of food supply, the whole world is concerned. Mafi has also been told to take immediate action over the rising cost of living.”

Previously, Putrajaya had been urged by consumer groups and the managing director of a hypermarket chain to review the award of APs for the importation of various food items, from vegetables and meat to seafood.

In January, Mydin hypermarket managing director Ameer Ali Mydin urged Putrajaya to be transparent in the awarding of APs to import whole chicken, saying his company had applied for the permits but did not get a response.

At the time, Ameer said other retailers had also told him that they did not get any APs despite the government’s announcement that it would allow more imports.

The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) had also urged the government to put in place concrete measures to fortify the nation’s food security.

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