Defence minister: All agricultural and fisheries product supply chain allowed to operate as usual | Malaysia | United States International Supply Chain Commission

Customers shop for vegetables at the Taman Selamat Wet Market in Bukit Mertajam March 25, 2020. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

KUALA LUMPUR, April 5 — All agricultural and fisheries product supply chains, including operations and logistics, are allowed to operate as usual under the movement control order (MCO), said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

In the daily non-health press conference today, Ismail clarified that those working in these sectors are allowed to work as usual and there will be no hindrance to their operations.

“There has been some confusion under the MCO, I have explained several times before that the agricultural sector can operate as usual.

“It is not just those involved in the production side but the entire agriculture supply chain is allowed to operate as usual for example the delivery of agricultural products continues as usual, there is no hindrance whatsoever,” he said adding that those selling the produce will not be stopped either.

Ismail further explained that services or shops supporting the agriculture and fisheries supply chain such as those selling fertilizers for crop production and packaging services are allowed to operate as usual.

“All those involved in agricultural production are allowed to operate as our people depend on agricultural and fisheries produce,” he reiterated.

Ismail explained that produce is still being sold without hindrance albeit under stricter regulations at designated Controlled Fresh Market (PST) nationwide to ensure the continued supply and distribution of food in the country. To date, there are 97 PST’s designated to supply goods to the people.

Last month, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries said agriculture, livestock breeding, fisheries and aquaculture activities are allowed to continue operating during the implementation MCO to ensure an adequate supply of meat, vegetables, fruits and fish in the country.

This also includes logistics and transportation services that support food supply and marketing chains including agricultural inputs and livestock feed.