The Selangor government has announced that it will subsidise the purchase of imported rice through Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) until the end of this year. This initiative aims to ensure a stable supply of the staple food in the state.
Izham Hashim, the State Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman, revealed that the imported rice is being bought at a price of RM17 per 5kg and resold to the public at a price of RM13 per 5kg under the Jualan Ehsan Rakyat (JER) programme.
In a recent discussion with Bernas, the government decided to sell the imported rice at the same price as the local white rice (BPT), effectively subsidising the cost for consumers. “We buy for RM17 per 5kg but sell it for RM13, the ceiling price for BPT,” stated Izham.
Starting last week, the imported rice has been repackaged and made available for sale as part of the JER programme at four branches of the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS), as well as through mobile sales. Izham made this announcement after the 2024 Agricultural Census Retreat Session with Selangor-level agencies.
Although the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry expects the rice supply to stabilise within the next two to three weeks, the Selangor government is prepared to continue subsidising the purchase for another two to three months to ensure an adequate supply.
The 2024 Agricultural Census, scheduled to be conducted in Selangor between July and September next year, will involve a total of 60,000 respondents from individuals, companies, associations, and cooperatives. Izham welcomed this census programme as it will provide updated and comprehensive data to facilitate the development plans for the agricultural sector. The last study conducted in this field was in 2005.
– Bernama
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
