Kuala Lumpur, May 2 - Malaysia has set aside 2.5 billion ringgit ($788 million) for food security in 2008, Agriculture Minister Mustapa Mohamed was quoted as saying by state new agency Bernama on Friday.
The measures being planned include raising rice production, building a rice stockpile and granting some 513 million ringgit ($162.2 million) in incentives to farmers.
Like its Asian neighbours, Malaysia is battling inflation and food security concerns amid worries the prospect of rising prices could spur hoarding and social unrest.