We can taste the difference, say rice lovers

Many consumers in Johor Baru continue to prefer imported white rice despite the increasing prices. Ahmad Fahmy Fahd Abdullah, a marketing manager, stated that he would not switch to local white rice as he believes there is a difference in quality and taste. He used to pay RM24 for a 5kg bag of imported rice, but the price has now increased to RM32. Despite the significant price difference, he remains loyal to the same brand of imported white rice that he has been consuming since childhood. The 5kg bag lasts his family of four about two to three weeks.

Another resident, Lee Kam Siam, mentioned that her family has also been consuming imported white rice due to their preference for its texture. However, her household consumption has decreased since her children are studying in other states. She may consider switching to a cheaper imported rice brand in the future. Ayurina Ibrahim, a housewife from Taman Universiti, also prefers imported rice because she believes it has less starch compared to local white rice. However, if the price continues to rise, she might consider buying local rice despite its limited availability in the market.

Meanwhile, another housewife, Ayurina Ibrahim, spends RM300 on groceries each week. The price increase in imported rice does not affect her much since her household’s rice consumption is quite low. Her husband prefers flour-based dishes, so they spend more on flour, eggs, and cooking oil. In early September, Padiberas Nasional Bhd adjusted the price of imported white rice nationwide to reflect current global market prices. As a result, the price of imported white rice increased to RM39, while local white rice remains at a controlled price range of RM2.60 per kg to RM26 per 10kg bag.

However, local white rice has become difficult to find in the Johor Baru area. Irwan Shah, an employee at a sundry shop in Tampoi, mentioned that they have not received any local white rice for the past two weeks. Customers have no choice but to purchase imported rice, some of whom have reduced their purchase due to the price hike. Wong Kok Wai, the secretary of Johor Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants, stated that 10kg bags of local rice have been out of stock since early this month. Suppliers are now preparing to sell 10kg bags of imported rice priced at RM32 to RM33 each in response to the price hike.

Johor agriculture, agro-based industry, and rural development committee chairman, Datuk Zahari Sarip, advised the public not to panic buy and hoard local white rice as it would affect the market supply. He assured that there is enough supply to meet consumer needs, as the state’s rice consumption of local white rice was previously 21,000 metric tonnes per month, and the supply has been increased to 23,000 metric tonnes.