The government has implemented a restriction on the sale of local white rice, limiting purchases to 100kg per customer, in an effort to address the shortage of locally-produced rice, according to Datuk Azman Mahmood, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry’s Agricultural Industry Development Division secretary. This purchase limit will be in effect until the supply of local white rice stabilizes. Azman stated that the first phase of the purchase limit will begin tomorrow, followed by the second phase on Sept 15. The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) will also enforce this limit in branches and Pasar Tani starting from Sept 15.
Azman explained that the supply of local rice depends on the quantity of locally-harvested padi. He mentioned that the padi harvest in Selangor has already concluded, and the harvest in Kedah is currently underway. The yield for Kedah will only be known at the end of October, once the harvest concludes. The government will closely monitor the stockpile after Kedah, as the next harvest will be in Kelantan.
Azman assured that there will be no issues with the local rice supply and mentioned a trading stock of about six months for imported white rice. Despite the export ban in India, Malaysia is still able to import rice from other countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Cambodia. He stated that there is still enough rice for the country, so the public need not worry.
To ensure equitable distribution and alleviate concerns about potential shortages, the ministry has imposed a buying limit of 100kg of local white rice per individual or company. This limit is based on Regulation 10(1)(b) of the Paddy and Rice Control (Wholesaler and Retailer Licensing) Regulations 1996.
In relation to the allegations of certain suppliers misrepresenting the origins of their white rice as imported when it is locally produced, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu stated that these claims are mere suspicions, and no official complaints have been lodged so far. He added that the suspected actions appear to have been carried out by irresponsible parties seeking easy profits.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
