Food security connects nations deeply and reveals their vulnerabilities. As Malaysia and Singapore celebrate the launch of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), they have a unique chance to enhance food security alongside their economic goals.
The JS-SEZ, initiated at the beginning of this year, has been hailed for promoting economic integration. However, there’s a pressing need to focus on food security within its framework. While food security is one of the 11 focus areas of the JS-SEZ, it risks being overshadowed by more lucrative industries. To truly benefit from this initiative, strong and clear provisions for the agri-food sector should take center stage.
In the 2022 Global Food Security Index, Singapore ranked 28th and Malaysia 41st. These rankings, though seemingly positive, hide serious challenges. Both countries are vulnerable to external pressures, especially from climate change. An expert from the Southeast Asian Center for Climate Change acknowledges that rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns threaten agricultural productivity. This adds urgency to improve resilience in food systems.
Singapore relies heavily on imports, sourcing over 90% of its food from 170 countries. This dependency can lead to disruptions in supply. For instance, Malaysia’s 2022 chicken export ban forced Singapore to seek alternatives urgently. The situation highlighted how fragile their supply chains can be.
On the other hand, Singapore’s ambitious “30 by 30” policy aims to produce 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030. This goal is commendable, but it’s still a long way off. Recent surveys found that many Singaporeans are unaware of this policy. Increased awareness and engagement could help fuel local food production efforts.
The partnership between Malaysia and Singapore in the JS-SEZ presents an opportunity. By prioritizing agri-food initiatives and addressing vulnerabilities, both countries can build a more secure food future. This collaboration could become a model for other nations grappling with similar issues.
To learn more about food security strategies, you can read recent reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) here.
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Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme, National Food Security Policy Action Plan, World Organisation for Animal Health, Malaysia, Singapore, ASEAN, Johor, Desaru, JS-SEZ, Sedenak, Global Food Security Index, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, DANJo, 30by30 strategy
