The understanding of food security and food terrorism among Malaysian media practitioners and public service personnel during COVID-19

Food security crises reveal not only structural weaknesses within food systems but also gaps in risk understanding, communication and governance. Despite increased policy attention to food security in Malaysia, deliberate and complex threats, particularly food terrorism, remain insufficiently examined, especially during systemic disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Empirical insight into the perspectives of key communicators namely media practitioners and public service personnel remains limited. This qualitative study addresses this gap by examining the understanding, interpretations and communication practices of Malaysian media practitioners and public service personnel regarding food security and food terrorism. Four (4) research objectives guided the study: 1) to explore the Malaysian government policy, elements and approach to food security as perceived by media practitioners and public service personnel; 2) to analyse media practitioners’ and public service personnel’s conceptualisation of food terrorism as a threat to Malaysia’s food security; 3) to understand the interpretations and communication of food security and food terrorism by media practitioners and public service personnel in their reporting; and 4) to recommend a model to guide media practitioners and public service personnel in effectively addressing reports on food security and food terrorism. Data collection followed a sequential design. Document analysis was conducted on five (5) key policy documents using a deductive–inductive thematic approach, with findings informing subsequent in-depth interviews with twelve (12) informants. Interview data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis supported by ATLAS.ti 24, adopting a phenomenological lens to capture perspectives and experiences. Guided by Agenda-Setting Theory, Social Capital Theory, the Food Security Model and the Food Crime Terminology Model, findings indicate uneven policy understanding, limited familiarity with food terrorism and inconsistent media framing despite the media’s crucial bridging role. The study concludes that strengthening Malaysia’s preparedness requires positioning food security policies as national protective firewalls against deliberate threats. It highlights the need for enhanced media and government collaboration, improved public sensitisation and strategic use of digital media platforms. As a key contribution, this study proposes the FSFTact Model to guide integrated communication, governance and prevention strategies for food security and food terrorism in Malaysia.