Amb. Zahid, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), together with Agriculture Attache Mr. Abdul Rahman Abdul Wahab, and Ms Siti Normaznie Abdul Mutalib from the Agriculture Attahce’s Pffice had participated in the 174th Session of FAO Council, from 4 – 8 December 2023. As Observers to the Council, 3 statements were delivered.
On discussion the ‘Bioeconomy for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation’, Malaysia’s National Bioeconomy Policy, established since 2005, was shared with the Council. Malaysia encouraged the FAO to continue with its work in bioeconomy from a program perspective, and to continue discussions with other states and the organisation on the development of a bioeconomy framewrok that can reach consensus and meet the needs of member states.
On Global Food Security Challenges and Drivers, Malaysia assured its commitment to improve the food systems through a robust food security strategy. In its 2024 National Budget, the Malaysian Government has allocated USD85.8 million to implement the Food Security Strengthening programme that will focus on increasing local food crop production, optimizing land use for enhanced crop and livestock yields, supplying bio and organic fertilisers to farmers to improve soil fertility and providing compensation of up to 50% of the loss value due to disasters under the Agricultural Disaster Fund.
In its statement pertaining to theSituation In Gaza Related To Food Security, Malaysia expressed its deep concern with the impacts of the attacks on the civilian population of Gaza and their food security and alarm at the negative long-term implications of the current conflict, and the long-term siege and occupation on a civilian population. The mass and weaponised starvation is a direct violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2417 on which there should be no targeting of objects indispensable for the survival of the civilian population, such as agricultural assets, foodstuffs, crops, livestock and drinking water installations and supplies, as well as the targeting of objects necessary for food production and distribution, such as markets, food-processing sites, and warehouses. Malaysia called for the immediate halt of the targeting of civilians and infrastructure critical to the survival of the civilian population, including food production and distribution facilities; providing water supplies for Gaza’s population; and allowing sufficient fuel into Gaza to enable the proper functioning of hospitals; water extraction, purification and distribution infrastructure; and communications networks for the coordination of the humanitarian response.
