Hasni Mohammad (BN-Simpang Renggam) said there was a need to implement modern methods, such as vertical farming, and a greater use of technology to improve the country’s food security.

Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops in vertically-stacked shelves, which often involves controlled-environment agriculture to optimise plant growth and soil-free farming techniques.

Hasni cited regional neighbours, such as Indonesia, who he said have started looking at alternative plantation, cultivation and production methods to cope with the pressure of the rise of global prices and disruptions to supply chains.

He said the government cannot leave it to the agriculture and food security ministry alone to resolve issues related to food security.

“It also involves policies of other ministries to ensure food supply is guaranteed,” he said when debating the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Hasni said although food security was a priority, there cannot be a compromise on environmental sustainability moving forward.

He urged the government to show its serious commitment to realising the country’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2050.