Malaysia Focuses On Domestic, Minister Of Home Affairs Supports Riau Islands For Food Exports To Singapore

Illustration of food exports (Doc. ANTARA)

RIAU - Riau Islands Province (Kepri) has begun to increase the frequency of food exports to Singapore. Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian appreciated and encouraged this step.

According to him, this is the right moment, because Johor Malaysia, which is usually the main supplier, chooses to meet domestic needs.

Riau Islands can seize food export opportunities to Singapore. There is a big demand, both for chickens and hydroponic products. Please coordinate with Governor Ansar if you want to join exports to the Singapore market," he said while attending a Government Coordination Meeting throughout Sumatra in Batam, citing ANTARA on Sunday, September 21.

Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad revealed that the local government together with the Ministry of Trade have launched an Export Hub facility at the Sumatra Promotion Center, at the Batam Public Service Mall (MPP).

The presence of this hub is expected to be the gateway for Riau Islands products to the international market, especially Singapore.

"Johor, who usually exports to Singapore, is now prioritizing supplying his own needs. Singapore's Food Security Agency has met us several times," he said.

He said that Riau Islands had exported around 6,000 tons of hydroponic plants.

"It only supplies 2-3 malls, there are still very many opportunities," said Ansar.

In addition to hydroponic vegetables, Ansar also said that Riau Islands had exported live chickens from Bintan Regency, a total of 1.5 million heads to supply the needs of several malls.

The governor said that his party continues to open communication with the Singapore Food Security Agency, to expand the types of commodities that can be exported.

"We will discuss this wider cooperation space, because Singapore continues to seek supplies from outside. Cooperation between countries can optimize the potential of Riau Islands and Sumatra to become sustainable food suppliers," he said.

On this occasion, Minister Tito invited regional heads throughout Sumatra to take this opportunity as an effort to increase regional income. He believes that Riau Islands is able to become an important partner for Singapore in maintaining food security while strengthening the regional economy.