The ministry mentioned that though APs have been not required to convey in sure meals commodities from abroad, importers still wanted an Import Permit (IP) for biosecurity functions on the nation’s borders.
“This is to ensure biosecurity control and that the imported products are free from disease and pests as well as being produced in facilities approved by the government,” it mentioned in the Thursday assertion.
It mentioned that with the abolishment of the APs, all corporations have been allowed to import all agro-food commodities topic to the import permits issued by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis).
The ministry added that it might proceed to play an necessary function in guaranteeing the viability of the meals sector at each degree, in order that the folks had an satisfactory provide of meals that was protected and nutritious.
“The welfare of local food producers will also continue to be preserved,” it mentioned.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Malaysia imported RM55.5 billion (US$12.59 billion) of meals merchandise in 2020.
Food exports have been valued at RM33.8 billion that yr.
In 2020, Malaysia ranked 43rd out of 113 nations in the Global Food Security Index (GSFI).