PETALING JAYA: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) has taken several measures to address the shortage of locally produced white rice. These measures include implementing a maximum purchase limit and increasing production. KPKM has engaged with industry players such as manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, as well as food operators and entrepreneurs. Rice manufacturers have agreed to increase production by 20%, equivalent to 23,000 tonnes per month or 2.3 million 10kg bags. The increased production will be distributed in phases.
The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) and Farmers’ Organisation Authority (LPP) will be selling local rice at their outlets starting this month. Fama will distribute 400 tonnes of local white rice to 416 outlets, while LPP will distribute 300 tonnes to 40 farmer outlets. The shortage of locally produced white rice is not only due to panic buying but also due to India’s suspension of rice exports and the depreciation of the ringgit. This has caused an increase in the world’s imported rice prices from US$400 per tonne to US$620 per tonne.
To cushion the impact of the rise in imported rice prices, the government implemented a price adjustment on September 1. Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) announced a price hike for all imported white rice from RM2,350 to RM3,200 per tonne. Without this price adjustment, Bernas would have incurred losses of RM80 million per month. Consumers prefer to buy local white rice due to its cheaper price controlled by the government at RM2.60 per kg. Malaysia currently offers the cheapest locally produced white rice in the Southeast Asian region, according to Bernas.
The government is also working towards achieving 100% self-sufficiency in local rice supply through various programs. The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP), under Ops Jamin, is monitoring the supply chain to ensure an adequate supply of locally produced rice. KPDNHEP enforcement officers are closely monitoring mills, wholesalers, and retailers to prevent the sale of locally produced rice being labeled as imported rice and sold at higher prices. Any such actions will be dealt with severely to prevent profiteering.
KPDNHEP Secretary-General Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof stated that his ministry’s role is to monitor the supply chain and prices. Cases related to rice supply and sale will be referred to KPKM unless they fall under the jurisdiction of KPDNHEP. Azman assured that his officers are visiting premises daily to ensure there is no profiteering or hoarding.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
