Month: December 2019

While animal products are the main proteins consumed in Malaysia, there is a large disparity
between Malaysia’s self-sufficiency in ruminant and non-ruminant livestock production.
Despite significant demand, the production of the ruminant sub-sector such as cattle, sheep,
buffalo, goat and deer are still lagging behind. Local production is mainly managed on a smallscale by small-hold farmers.1 Contrarily, non-ruminant industry such as egg, poultry and swine
production is more progressive and on a large scale. In fact, non-ruminant livestock has been at self-sufficient level since the 1980s.2

By 2050, the world’s demand for food will be 60% greater than it is today.1 To meet the
demands of the growing population while conserving resources for future generations, the
quest for food sustainability and security has taken central stage in the global spotlight. On the global scale, Malaysia is 42nd out of 113 nations in the Global Food Security Index (GFSI)
2018, deemed favourable by The Economist Intelligence Unit. However, the rank in GFSI is a decline from previously 35th place in 2016.2

Increasing food prices and the consequent decline in food consumption among lower income
households is a worrisome trend in Malaysia. According to Khazanah Research Institute’s
report, a comparison from 2014 to 2016 indicates a stark contrast in the lifestyle experiences
of low-income and high-income households. The quantity of food consumed by lower income
households is declining despite the increase in spending. In contrast, households earning
above RM5,000 manage to substitute the decline in consumption of food at home with food away from home. 1