# Malaysia food security and agricultural self-sufficiency > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/malaysia-food-security-and-agricultural-self-sufficiency > Updated: 2026-08-31T08:22:08.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Malaysia is implementing strategic initiatives to bolster national food security and reduce reliance on imports amid geopolitical uncertainties and climate change risks. Initial efforts focused on grain corn production, with the government targeting at least 30 percent self-sufficiency. This plan involves large-scale cultivation projects in regions such as Perlis and Sarawak using resilient local varieties developed by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute. The initiative also aims to reduce dependence on imported seeds by 30 percent by 2040. Building on these food security goals, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has set a target to increase the rice self-sufficiency level to at least 80 percent, noting that current levels below 60 percent are insufficient. To achieve this, the government plans to strengthen the paddy and rice ecosystem by expanding field sizes, reopening abandoned areas, and integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and the Internet of Things. The Ministry is also exploring integrated farming models, such as combining paddy cultivation with freshwater prawn farming. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: Malaysia targets 80% rice self-sufficiency to bolster food security Malaysia aims to raise its rice self-sufficiency level to at least 80 percent by enhancing local production, upgrading paddy fields, and integrating advanced technologies like AI to ensure food security. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/malaysia-targets-80-rice-self-sufficiency-to-bolster-food-security ### 2026-08-17: Malaysia targets 30% local grain corn production to cut imports Malaysia aims for 30% self-sufficiency in grain corn production to reduce RM3 billion in annual imports and bolster food security against geopolitical and climate risks. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/malaysia-targets-30-local-grain-corn-production-to-cut-imports --- Cite as: Malaysia food security and agricultural self-sufficiency. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/malaysia-food-security-and-agricultural-self-sufficiency