TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Malaysia has raised concerns over potential disruptions to its rice imports due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, two of its major suppliers. The warning came after India launched missile strikes on Pakistan in response to a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22.
Malaysian Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mohamad Sabu, said that nearly 40 percent of the country's rice imports come from India and Pakistan.
"Their political and economic stability is crucial for food security in Malaysi," Mohamad said, as quoted by Malay Mail.
India mainly supplies white rice to Malaysia, while Pakistan is the primary source of basmati rice, both of which are dietary staples for the country's population of 34 million.
"If a war or tensions occur that affect port operations or delivery infrastructure, rice imports to our country could be disrupted," he added.
The situation remains tense as both countries exchanged artillery fire across the Line of Control in Kashmir on Wednesday, following India’s missile strikes that resulted in casualties on both sides. New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for the April 22 attack, which killed 26 civilians. Pakistan has denied any involvement.
"If the situation in that region escalates, it will certainly have a direct impact on us, particularly in terms of prices and supply continuity," said Mohamad.
Malaysia’s rice supply remains stable for now, but the government in Putrajaya is working to strengthen ties with alternative suppliers in the region, such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated further on Wednesday as both sides exchanged heavy artillery fire along the disputed Kashmir border, following India’s missile strikes that resulted in casualties on both sides.
India blamed Pakistan for the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 civilians dead, calling it the deadliest assault in recent years.
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