Its minister Mohamad Sabu said this was also to smoothen ministry operations and ensure all of its plans are in order.

“We are confident the finance minister, who is also the prime minister, will look into the issue of allocation, because the ministry is on the frontlines in facing the economic and food crises that may happen in the future.

“Even now, some basic food items are still considered expensive. The ministry will try to play a role in stabilising prices, but federal allocations must be increased to ensure smoother operations,” he said when met by reporters after attending a briefing with ministry officials.

Meanwhile, Mohamad, who is also known as Mat Sabu, said the issue of reasonably-priced food items is among the main agendas on his plate.

“The issue of sufficient food, at an affordable price, is very important because that is what Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised before the 15th general election (GE15) and after taking his oath,” he said.

He added that the ministry will continue with existing plans and new ones will be discussed with senior ministry officials.

“It’s a new area for me. Previously, I was speaking on national security as defence minister. But now I will address issues affecting the daily lives of people, namely food and agriculture. This will be my challenge,” he said.

Under Budget 2023, which was tabled in October before Parliament was dissolved, the government allocated a total of RM372.3 million to the agriculture and food industries ministry.