PUTRAJAYA — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered all government departments to stop using imported food at official events and switch to local produce to support Malaysian farmers.

Speaking at the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly, Anwar said the move will strengthen the local economy and create more opportunities for farmers to supply their goods.

He pointed out that countries like Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand consistently use only local food at official functions, and Malaysia should follow suit.

Anwar also criticized the continued use of imported food by some parties, calling it contrary to the government's goal of empowering local producers. He urged civil servants to be more conscious in supporting homegrown products.