Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, the Agriculture and Food Security Minister, stated that the government has not yet decided on the creation of a new Malaysia Madani white rice category. He agreed with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that the proposal will be discussed collectively with the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol) in an upcoming meeting. He emphasized that any announcement or decision must be made in accordance with the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 and to notify the Cabinet.
His statement was in response to Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, who reportedly said local white rice (SST) and imported white rice (SSI) would be decategorized, leaving Malaysia Madani white rice as the sole category. The Naccol task force (food cluster) chairman said that between Feb 19 and March 1, rice industry players can make adjustments and sell rice in the old packaging until all wholesalers’ stocks are sold out.
He also added that the new packaging of all white rice must then carry the “Beras Putih Malaysia Madani” sticker.
