Penang has become the first state to receive 30,000kg of rice through the local white rice distribution intervention programme. The initiative aims to increase the supply of rice in the state. The state agrotechnology and food security and cooperatives development committee chairman, Fahmi Zainol, has announced that 3,000 10kg sacks of rice were marketed through the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) sales centres throughout the state starting from Tuesday (Sept 19).
Fahmi Zainol has stated, “Penang became the first state to receive rice through the initiative and it will be sold and distributed through Fama outlets in the state at a price set by the government. Through this programme, local white rice supply will be sent to the state in stages to meet market needs and overcome the supply of rice to ensure people in the state can obtain cheaper rice instead of the more expensive imported rice. However, through this programme, every individual can only purchase a maximum of two sacks, which is 20kg of local white rice and retailers 10 sacks (100kg).”
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, has previously stated that the supply of local white rice nationwide is expected to recover within a month due to the immediate intervention steps being taken by the government.
Fahmi Zainol has also revealed that during a survey of hypermarkets, supermarkets, and grocery stores in the past week, it was found that there was no supply of local white rice in the market, and only imported rice was available. He hopes that the local white rice distribution intervention programme will help residents in Penang obtain rice supply and he urges the public not to panic buy as this will only prolong the problem.
Penang will apply to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry for the state government to have autonomy to control its own rice production to ensure ample supply in the state always. Fahmi Zainol has stated, “For the long term, the state government seeks to obtain paddy seed production quota to create a seed bank in the state. This way, it will indirectly prevent monopoly and ensure paddy seeds can be distributed directly to farmers.” Currently, there are 5,262 padi farmers in Penang cultivating 12,105ha of land. Last year, rice production was 122,321 tonnes, and the harvesting process is still ongoing this year.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
