Malaysia: FAMA to import more produce during El Nino

C. PREMANANTHINI New Straits Times 13 Jan 16;

BANTING: The Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (FAMA) will import more produce to ensure the price of essential goods are stable when the El Nino phenomenon hits Malaysia.

The phenomenon, which will bring with it a period of hot and dry weather, will start by the end of this month and last until March.

FAMA chairman Tan Sri Badruddin Amiruldin said FAMA will work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry to tackle the issue.

"We want to make sure that the farmers and consumers are not affected by the El Nino effect.

"As to the decision to import, this is to assure that our farmers do not face a shortage of goods which will force an increase in the price of produce," he said at a press conference after his visit to the central collection of agricultural products site at Batu 10, Kebun Baru, Telok Penglima Garang here today.