The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about Malaysia's food security and food value chain disruption. This study investigates the livestock industry in Melaka, Malaysia, with two objectives: 1) assessing the current state of the livestock industry; 2) proposing strategies for sustainable growth. Using qualitative research methods, data was collected on livestock production and distribution through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and government reports. The data analysis identified industry challenges and strategies for enhancing resilience. The findings present an assessment of Melaka's livestock industry, its challenges, and impact on food security dimensions of availability, accessibility, utilisation, and stability. The study proposes strategies to enhance industry resilience: 1) promoting sustainability and international market opportunities in poultry; 2) facilitating accessibility to the ruminant industry for entrepreneurs; 3) increasing ruminant livestock numbers; 4) controlling livestock diseases; 5) reducing imported feed dependence. These strategies will improve food security through increased domestic production and reduced imports.
Lew et al. (Wed,) studied this question.