KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya will decide on the Madani white rice proposal, among others, when the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol) meets this afternoon, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He added that the food cluster task force will discuss the initiative to sell other necessities, including fish, chicken, meat and vegetables, at lower prices.
“This is a democratic country, anyone can give suggestions, but they are not decisions by the government. The government will make a decision this afternoon,” he said after launching the TRX financial hub at Menara Exchange 106 here today.
Anwar reiterated that any announcement of the price of essential goods, especially rice, must come from the government.
According to the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522), the power to regulate padi and rice, including the direction of supply and price, lies with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
Previously, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said any official announcements regarding the country’s rice supply would be made by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu or a designated representative after decisions were reached by Naccol.
Separately, the prime minister said the resignation of three senior management officials on the Armed Forces Fund Board is being looked into by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Khaled will then explain the matter at the next cabinet meeting.
The trio who resigned in the last month were chief executive Datuk Ahmad Nazim Abd Rahman, chairman Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor and senior director of strategy Dayana Rogayah Omar. – February 23, 2024