There is no panic-buying of rice in Malaysia despite the global price hike of imported white rice. A survey of supermarkets in George Town, Penang, showed that there is sufficient supply of local white rice, although it has been selling quickly. Lim Kian Seong, the human resource and security manager at Gama Supermarket and Departmental Store, confirmed that there is ample supply of both local and imported white rice. He also stated that there is no shortage at their supermarket and there is no need to impose restrictions on the sale of local rice at this time.
Bryan Wong, the marketing and communication manager at Sunshine Wholesale Mart, reported that their stock of white rice, particularly the local variety, has significantly decreased. He mentioned that there has been an increase in sales, but not to the point of panic buying. The company has limited the sale of local rice to two bags per family since July, when the shortage of local rice began.
On September 1, Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) announced an immediate increase in the price of white rice to RM3,200 from RM2,350 per tonne. The rise in price is attributed to unpredictable factors such as climate change, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, high operating costs, and conflicts in the region. As a result, consumers will have to pay an additional 85 sen per kilogramme for imported white rice.
In Seremban, a city in Malaysia, Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, the senior executive councillor for rural development, plantation and commodities, agriculture, food security, and cost of living committees, stated that there is still sufficient rice supply throughout the state, except in a few areas. He further mentioned that there have been no reports of shortages or panic buying. Measures are being taken to stabilize the supply in those areas where a reduction in supply has been reported.
A retailer, who requested anonymity, revealed that he has not received the supply for an order placed two weeks ago. He speculated that the delay might be due to a shortage of local white rice. However, checks at various stores showed that there is still an adequate supply of rice. One store along Jalan Yam Tuan said it is normal for them to almost run out of local white rice during this time of the month, but they expect their suppliers to replenish the supply soon.
In Sabah, there is no need to worry about the supply of rice despite concerns about the price hike affecting locally-produced rice. The Sabah Padi and Rice Regulatory (KPB) division, an agency under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, has confirmed that the rice supply in Sabah is sufficient. Ab Alim Multazam, the director of Sabah KPB, assured the public that the stock is adequate and regularly monitored.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
