SEREMBAN: State Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Climate Change, Cooperatives and Consumerism Committee chairman S. Veerapan has assured the public that there is no need for panic buying when it comes to local rice in Negeri Sembilan. He stated that there is an ample supply of this essential item in the market. Veerapan also mentioned that efforts are being made to limit each purchase to no more than 10 packets of 5kg or 10kg rice packets. He made these comments during a visit to a rice supplier’s store in Kuala Sawah, Rantau, on Friday (Sept 15).
Veerapan revealed that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) state enforcement unit has conducted 167 inspections under Op Jamin. These inspections covered supermarkets, mini markets, and grocery stores since July 7. Fortunately, they have not found any cases of rice packaging switch from local to imported.
The Director of the Negeri Sembilan branch of the Padi and Rice Regulatory Office, Irwan Ahmad Rejab, stated that Negeri Sembilan requires 3,500 tonnes of rice every month. He assured consumers that there is no need to stock up on rice as the supply is always available. He mentioned that they have received six complaints about local rice not being available in the market. As a solution, suppliers have been instructed to increase their stock.
According to Irwan, one of the reasons behind the issue of rice shortage in the state is panic buying. Consumers have started buying local rice due to the increase in imported rice prices. He explained that previously, the price difference between local and imported rice was only RM1.50 to RM2. However, due to the global increase in rice prices, the margin has now reached around RM10. To address this, the government has enforced Regulation 10(1)(b) of the Padi and Rice Control (Wholesaler and Retailer Licensing) Regulations 1996. This regulation allows each individual and trader to buy a maximum of 100 kg of local white rice.
– Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
