There's enough local white rice in Negri, says exco man

SEREMBAN: S. Veerapan, a state exco member in Negri Sembilan, stated that there is enough supply of local white rice in the state. He mentioned that the complaints received on the unavailability of white rice in some areas have been resolved as the supply has been replenished. However, he explained that a temporary shortage occurred when retailers and sundry shop owners decided to purchase more local white rice due to the significant increase in the prices of imported rice. Nonetheless, he assured reporters that there is sufficient supply and consumers need not worry about it. Veerapan, who also handles the entrepreneurship, human resources, climate change, and cooperatives portfolios, pointed out that more consumers and businesses started buying local white rice since each bag is approximately RM10 cheaper than imported rice. He added that smaller sundry shops, which used to sell only imported rice, have now begun selling local white rice due to higher demand.

Veerapan also advised retailers and consumers against engaging in panic buying as the supply is adequate. He recommended that in the event of a localised shortage, consumers should contact the Control of Padi and Rice hotline or file a complaint through the relevant website. Alternatively, they can reach out to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry via WhatsApp or their call center.

In a separate matter, Veerapan highlighted that the Ministry’s officers conducted 167 operations, known as Ops Jamin, at various retail outlets between July 7 and Sept 14. These operations found no increase in the price of local white rice, a controlled item. Irwan Ahmad Rejab, the director of the State Control of Padi and Rice Department, also present at the press conference, stated that wholesalers would be asked to replenish the supply of local white rice at outlets experiencing a fast depletion of stock. He emphasized that since imported rice is now more expensive, consumers are preferring to buy local white rice. He urged consumers to avoid panic buying, as it could create a false perception of a problem when a particular outlet runs out of stock. Irwan mentioned that it takes around three to four days to restock an outlet that experiences a sudden rice shortage.