Negri govt to ensure enough rice supply for next five years, says exco man

The government of Negri Sembilan in Malaysia has chosen a 20ha area in Kg Londah, near Gemas, to cultivate padi, according to Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias. This decision comes in response to a shortage of locally grown white rice. Jalaluddin Alias stated that the government is also considering cultivating idle land to address this shortage and will be presenting a proposal to improve infrastructure, irrigation, and implement technology such as drones for fertilisation and pesticide spraying. The aim is to ensure sufficient supply for at least the next five years. He made these comments in response to Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker’s statement during the state assembly.

In addition, Jalaluddin Alias announced that the government, through the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), has taken steps to replenish local white rice supplies in areas experiencing shortages. As part of this effort, 20 tonnes of rice were distributed on September 20, followed by 25 tonnes on September 22 and 60 tonnes on September 26. All rice was sold in 10kg packs for RM26 each. To address the shortage in the short term, more local white rice will be sent to seven districts in the state and will be available for purchase at Fama’s 16 Usahawan Agrobazaar.

Jalaluddin Alias also mentioned plans to construct a mini rice mill in the state to ensure a sufficient supply of rice for locals. He stated that the mill will be built once the padi growing area reaches 1,500ha. Currently, there are 1,200ha of land available, but a larger area is needed to make the mini-mill operationally viable. Therefore, the government will quickly identify idle land for cultivation.

Jalaluddin Alias emphasized that the shortage of rice is due to reduced exports from countries such as India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. He pointed out that India alone has decreased its rice exports to Malaysia by 40%, which has led to a significant increase in the price of imported rice. Consumers have turned to buying local white rice, resulting in the shortage. Regarding the question of restricting rice sales to foreigners, the state government currently has no plans to implement such measures, as there is still an adequate supply available.

Jalaluddin Alias urged the public not to engage in panic buying, as it will only exacerbate the unnecessary shortage.