The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has issued instructions for the direct sale of rice seeds to Regional Farmers’ Organisation (PPK) and farmers from October 11, 2023, in order to ensure an adequate supply for the planting season.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin stated that the ministry is working to guarantee a plentiful supply of legal rice seeds and to regulate their pricing.
In addition, he informed that the approval process for 12 legal rice seed producers has been established, based on specific standard operating procedures, prior to the seeds being distributed to the farmers.
“Furthermore, an additional quota of 112,260 seed trowels of 20kg has been approved on November 10, specifically for the states of Kedah and Perlis,” he said in a statement on Saturday (Nov 11).
The ministry is also aiming to ensure fair pricing for rice seeds, with a maximum selling price of RM40 per 20 kg seed trowels at the production company and RM45 at the retail level.
This decision was implemented through the Director General’s Standing Order number 6/2023 to prevent potential price manipulation.
In a move towards greater transparency, he explained that legal rice seeds, specifically for the CL220 variety, which are packaged with specific poisons, must now be sold separately.
The price for this variety has been set at the same maximum levels.
He highlighted the prioritization of continuous monitoring and enforcement in order to ensure compliance with pricing regulations.
He also mentioned that the Task Force OP BPS has been activated in the Northern Zone, specifically in the states of Kedah and Perlis, since November 7, 2023.
He stated that 20 retailers selling legal rice seeds (BPS) above the government-set price had been identified, and their licenses were immediately revoked.
Under the Control of Paddy and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522), the Ministry has the authority to cancel or suspend the licenses of any parties found to be in violation of the regulations.
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to seriously consider all complaints and work diligently to ensure the supply and pricing of legal rice seeds remain fair and sustainable.
The annual required supply of legal rice seed is 72,000 metric tons or 3.6 million seed trowels.
