KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia has issued a warning on Wednesday regarding the potential disruption of rice imports due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
The Southeast Asian nation, heavily reliant on rice imports, is prompted to seek alternative sources.
Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan have escalated, following India’s launch of strikes on Pakistan after a deadly attack on tourists in the Indian-administered area of Kashmir.
Malaysian Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu stated that nearly 40 percent of Malaysia’s imported rice originates from India and Pakistan.
Minister Mohamad emphasized the importance of political and economic stability in India and Pakistan for Malaysia’s food security.