SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu says that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s plan to seek an extension of enforcement authority to its personnel to address rice supply issues should be discussed with relevant authorities. However, he believes that this measure should only be implemented if the supply reaches critical levels, adding that there is no need for it at the moment.
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister stated that if the supply reaches a critical level, the Royal Malaysia Police may also be involved. Nevertheless, he mentioned that the supply has not yet reached a critical level. Mohamad Sabu assured reporters that once padi crops in the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) area are harvested, which is currently over 20%, local rice supply will be available in the market. He said this during his visit to a grocery store in Jalan Kebun Seksyen 30, where he checked the distribution of local white rice on September 21.
Acting Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali expressed hope that the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry would consider extending authority to its personnel to tackle rice supply issues.
Mohamad urged the public to report any proof of hoarding of local rice or switching of local rice packaging to imported rice, so that the authorities can take appropriate action. He emphasized that so far, no official evidence of such activities has been found, and it is purely based on rumors.
Mohamad mentioned that urgent discussions will be held between the ministry, manufacturers, and wholesalers to increase local white rice supply to Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) and Farmers’ Organisation Authority (LPP) branches. This is to prevent incidents like the commotions in Kuala Pilah, Negri Sembilan, and Bagan Datuk, Perak, which occurred due to insufficient rice supply at these locations.
Mohamad ordered immediate delivery of local white rice supply to all supermarkets, not just Fama and LPP branches. He advised the public to avoid panic buying and maintain their rice stock to prevent disruptions.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
