By Sofia Nasir
PETALING JAYA, Feb 22 — The Selangor government is taking all necessary measures to ensure sufficient food supply for the people in facing any potential adverse impact resulting from climate change.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said this is evidenced in the state’s decision to allocate about RM50 million for food security this year, ensuring sufficient stock supply lasting up to six months.
“Climate change is not just about disasters. It also concerns food security. An abrupt change in the climate will affect crops globally.
“If previously the issue of food cycle was not a cause for concern, now we need to prepare surplus stocks due to past shortages of rice and chicken supplies,” he said.
Amirudin said this at the launch ceremony of the Malapetaka Iklim book and Ke Mana Hilangnya Katak Hijau comic at PJ Live Arts, here, last night, which was also attended by state executive councillor for environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
The Menteri Besar said the issue of food supply shortages must not be underestimated, as it also affects children’s growth.
He also acknowledged the issue of malnutrition among many children, particularly in low-cost residential areas.
“In low-cost housing areas, we have several issues related to child growth. Malnutrition affects their brain and thinking process. This is the impact of climate disasters,” he said.
The Malapetaka Iklim book and Ke Mana Hilangnya Katak Hijau comic were published by non-governmental organisations Forum Selangor and Eco Lestari Strategy to increase public awareness on environmental issues.
The book compiles the works of several authors, including activist Hishamuddin Rais, online newspaper columnist @Green, Adi Satria Ahmad, and documentary filmmaker Yap Sean Yi.
The book and comic can be purchased online through KawahBuku, Ilham Books, and Eco Lestari Strategy at RM40 and RM20 respectively.
