KUALA LUMPUR: The government should start exploring other source countries to ensure sufficient food supply, especially wheat and encourage culinary innovation using other types of flour in the country.

Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) deputy president Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman said it is important to expand export sources as 100 per cent of wheat is imported and was also an important ingredient in local food.

"Though the government relies on Australia to import 80 per cent of wheat and the rest from the United States, Canada and Ukraine, the countries involved do not ensure a stable supply at all times.

"Currently, the Ukraine-Russia conflict is ongoing while the production in Australia and Canada are often at risk due to extreme weather changes. 

"So, the government must consider importing wheat from other countries such as Turkey to ensure enough supply in the country though wheat is not a staple food here but used widely in a variety of dishes," he told Berita Harian today.

Yesterday, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry said the restriction on India's wheat export due to the extreme heatwave does not affect Malaysia's supply of wheat flour.

Mohd Yusof said the shortage of wheat was caused by daily demands to produce wheat-based food products and not due to the festive season.

"It is not true that wheat flour is 'hidden away' to raise the prices because the problem now is the possibility of supply being affected due to constraints in the producing countries.

"Wheat flour is listed under the price control items and has a ceiling price, but I am worried there are parties that smuggle it to sell in neighbouring countries at a higher price," he said.

Mohd Yusof advised the public to purchase wheat flour according to their needs because wheat and rice cannot be stored for a long time and may be at risk of damage if not used according to the time period.

"So the important thing is not to panic and continue to save and try to use other types of flour to replace wheat, as a method of innovation.

"Consumers can also continue to channel complaints to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and also report if there is a supply problem to ensure action can be taken.

On the issue of wet market traders displaying contradictory prices of chicken, Mohd Yusof said the price of cut chicken is no longer listed under any price-controlled items.

But traders have to put up a clear price tag and that is the price paid at the checkout counter.

"We have received complaints from consumers about confusing chicken prices, but if the market or supermarket sells ready-cut chicken, it is not against the trade description act that they have displayed a clear price, which is the inclusive price.

"If I am not mistaken, the Malaysian Family Maximum Price Scheme (SHMKM) ended on Feb 4 and the Aidilfitri 2022 Maximum Price Scheme for the Festive Season (SHMMP) ended on May 10," he said.

As for most supermarkets found not offering super chicken (no legs, head and internal organs) and standard chicken for sale, Mohd Yusof said it was up to the availability of supplies they received. 

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/05/797179/time-look-other-source-countries-wheat-says-fomca