00:01Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed all government departments
00:05to cease using imported goods, particularly food, at official events in a bid to promote local products.
00:13Speaking at the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly, Anwar said that using local produce would not only bolster the local economy,
00:20but would also open wider opportunities for local farmers to market their goods.
00:25He added that if every government department follows his directive, it will create more opportunities for our farmers to supply local food ingredients.
00:35The Prime Minister also cited the example of neighboring countries whom he said were committed to using local food products at all official functions.
00:44Anwar also criticized the preference by some parties for imported food products, despite the government's clear stance.
00:50Calling the practice inconsistent with efforts to empower the local economy,
00:55he urged civil servants and officials to be more mindful of the need to support homegrown produce.
