Food supply enough for Ramadan

2 April KUALA LUMPUR : The Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry (MOA) has given assurance that there is sufficient supply of fresh food items to meet the demand among the people during the fasting month.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said MOA, together with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP), will continue to monitor the supply of 25 essential food items, anticipating a surge in demand during Ramadan. As of yesterday, KPDNHEP conducted checks on 1,133 business premises including 833 retailers, 268 wholesalers and 32 factories.

“The MOA has given assurance that the supply of fresh food such as vegetables and others is more than enough. “Hence, people do not have to worry about getting their daily essential food items during the fasting month,” he said during his daily press conference today.

Ismail, who is also the Defence Minister, said the government was looking into claims that residents of Taman Sri Murni in Selayang did not receive food aid from the authorities. Taman Sri Murni is among the areas placed under the fifth Enhanced Movement Control Order (MCO).

“I was informed that there are several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and corporate firms which had contributed food items for the affected residents. “We are in the process of arranging the distribution of the food items,” he said.

Ismail had previously announced that EMCO would be enforced in two areas, namely Pusat Bandar Utara and around Selayang Wholesale Market involving eight parcels beginning April 20 until May 3.