JOHOR BARU: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is confident that white rice production in the country will recover within a month through the Special Local White Rice Programme.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said several steps had been taken, including directing rice millers to increase production by 20% as a short-term measure.
He said a number of engagement sessions with padi industry stakeholders would be held on Thursday to discuss methods and mechanisms for the recovery of rice production.
“Through these engagement sessions, KPKM will clarify the methods and mechanisms with regard to the supply of local rice in the country, covering medium- to long-term solutions,” he said when asked to comment on the ministry’s strategy to recover national production of local white rice.
He was speaking at a press conference after surveying the supply of local white rice at Giant supermarket in Tampoi here on Tuesday (Sept 5).
Mohamad said the ministry’s earlier initiatives, such as the Mini Sekinchan Smart Big Scale Padi Field project, are expected to help in the recovery of local rice production.
He said this is because the project can produce a massive harvest of 11 tonnes of padi per hectare.
He said so far the supply of local white rice is sufficient and has been maintained at the controlled price of RM2.60 per kilogramme since 2008, which shows that the ministry’s efforts to restore rice production are in line with increased demand, following the hike in the price of imported rice.
Queried if it there was any truth that 95% of the national rice production is controlled by middlemen, he said this was not true and was a mere allegation.
Mohamad repeated that his ministry and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry are always working together to combat the issue of switching labels on rice packaging to manipulate market prices, which was previously reported.
“This issue is being dealt with. The national rice regulatory body is constantly monitoring the situation and taking action. God-willing, it is under control now and enforcement is according to the existing law,” he said. – Bernama
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry expressed confidence that white rice production in the country would recover within a month through the Special Local White Rice Programme. Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, the Minister, mentioned that various steps had been taken including instructing rice millers to increase production by 20% as a short-term measure. In addition, several engagement sessions with padi industry stakeholders would be held to discuss methods and mechanisms for the recovery of rice production. The Minister stated that these sessions would clarify the methods and mechanisms regarding the supply of local rice in the country, covering medium- to long-term solutions. This statement was made during a press conference held after surveying the supply of local white rice at Giant supermarket in Tampoi on September 5.
Mohamad highlighted the ministry’s earlier initiatives, such as the Mini Sekinchan Smart Big Scale Padi Field project, which are expected to contribute to the recovery of local rice production. He explained that the project can yield a massive harvest of 11 tonnes of padi per hectare. The current supply of local white rice has been sufficient and has maintained a controlled price of RM2.60 per kilogramme since 2008, showcasing the ministry’s efforts to restore rice production in response to increased demand resulting from the rise in imported rice prices. When asked about the allegation that 95% of national rice production is controlled by middlemen, Mohamad refuted this claim, dismissing it as mere speculation.
He emphasized that his ministry, alongside the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, continuously collaborate to tackle the issue of switching labels on rice packaging to manipulate market prices, which had been previously reported. Mohamad stated that this issue is being addressed and that the national rice regulatory body is actively monitoring the situation, taking necessary actions. He reassured that the situation is under control and enforcement is in accordance with existing laws.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
