On Thursday, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry organized an engagement session with stakeholders of the padi and rice industry, in line with a decision made by the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol) during a special meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Feb 23.
In a statement released on Friday, the ministry revealed that it was agreed during the meeting to conduct further comprehensive studies and discussions with the padi and rice industry. This includes considerations such as the padi purchase price, supply factors, global price of imported rice, sustainability of local rice supply, and the impact on consumers.
The ministry stated, “Through this engagement session, all views, comments, and input provided will be refined and analyzed based on the interests of all parties involved in the padi and rice industry value chain.”
“Starting from farmers, millers, wholesalers, and retailers to consumers before a new action plan for the padi and rice industry is developed for the Naccol meeting on March 20,” the ministry added.
Leading the engagement session was Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, with various interested parties in the padi and rice industry value chain present, including representatives from miller, wholesaler, retailer, and restaurant associations.
Also attending the session were ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Kawalselia Padi dan Beras (KPB) director-general Datuk Azman Mahmood, as well as representatives from Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS), Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Ministry of Finance, Economy Ministry, Plantations and Commodities Ministry, and Rural and Regional Development Ministry.
