KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Southeast Asian countries have agreed to&nbsp;prioritise&nbsp;helping each other overcome&nbsp;rice&nbsp;supply shortages and other food-related problems,&nbsp;Malaysia&nbsp;state&nbsp;news agency Bernama reported, citing the agricultural minister.
The Association of Southeast Asian&nbsp;Nations&nbsp;(ASEAN) reached the agreement at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur this week, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu said on Friday, according to the agency.
"ASEAN&nbsp;collaboration means if we face&nbsp;rice&nbsp;issues,&nbsp;ASEAN&nbsp;member countries will give priority to&nbsp;ASEAN&nbsp;nations&nbsp;first," he said.
Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand said they would consider any new requests for additional imports, Mohamad said.
Malaysia, which imports about 38% of its&nbsp;rice&nbsp;needs, is among several countries affected by top exporters like India restricting shipments. The government on Monday announced subsidies and other measures to offset rising prices of grain and ensure sufficient supply in the market.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned of legal action against anyone found hoarding&nbsp;rice, to prevent consumers from stockpiling local grains.
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(Reporting by Danial Azhar; Editing by William Mallard)

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ASEAN nations to prioritise members' rice needs - Malaysia state media