PASIR SALAK (Feb 1): The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry gave the assurance that Malaysia will not be affected if the government decides to boycott food and agricultural products from the European Union (EU).

Its Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said this was because most of the products imported from EU countries consisted of dairy products which were not a staple food for Malaysians.

"Why we need to be afraid? We don't import basic food such as rice or meat from the EU.

"We import non-essential food such as cheese and other dairy products. We know that not all people are using these products, so we do not have to worry if the government decides to boycott their products," he said.

He said this at a press conference after officiating at the 4th Pasir Salak parliamentary constituency National Single Mothers Association annual general meeting which was attended by 500 members at  Pekan
Rabu Hall, Chenderong Balai here today.

Last Satuday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government was reviewing the purchase of products from EU countries after the union decided to exclude palm oil from its biofuel mix and renewable energy by 2021.