KUALA LUMPUR – Supply of local white rice appears to have dwindled in Klang Valley as it is only found in one of four places.
The Scoop team visited three local sundry shops as well as a major hypermarket and found that Super Special Tempatan rice is only available at one of the sundry shops, priced at the government-controlled rate of RM2.60/kg.
In contrast, the Super Import White Rice, including brands such as Cap Masjid S.A., Cap Rambutan, Cap Bawang, Jati, and Floral, were in stock at three local grocers and the hypermarket, with prices ranging from RM3.38 to RM4.58/kg.
For those in search of Basmati rice, options from brands like Cap Rambutan, Maharaja, and Floral were available, priced between RM9.98 and RM12.90/kg.
Choices for fragrant and brown rice were limited, with only one brand of each type displayed on the shelves of the local grocers and the major hypermarket. EcoBrown’s Original brown rice was priced at RM8/kg, while Naga Mutiara’s fragrant rice was available at RM4/kg.
As for calrose rice, a staple in Japanese cuisine, it was readily accessible under brands like Sumo, priced at RM9.90/kg and commonly found in most stores. Takumi, priced at RM6.50/kg, was only sold at a popular convenience store.
Today, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry announced plans to hold a meeting with Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) and padi farmers next Thursday.
This meeting aims to address the recent immediate price hike of all imported white rice, along with discussions about the country’s supply of local rice.
Earlier today, Bumiputera Retailers Organisation president Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin expressed disappointment over supply issues of local white rice over the past months, leading him to speculate whether rice millers are employing underhanded tactics to take advantage of the price hikes.
Ameer alleged that there could be efforts to alter the packaging of local white rice products, allowing manufacturers to promote the products as imported goods.
Ameer, who is also Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd managing director, said the possibility of the “trick” taking place is highly likely as the past three to six months have apparently seen a shortage of SST5 (local) rice in markets, with aisles instead being stocked with imported rice.
On September 1, Bernas adjusted the retail price of imported white rice, with a 36% increase, from RM2,350 pertonne to RM3,200 effective immediately.
The corporation said it had endured a challenging first half of the year as a reflection of the uncertainties contributed by multiple external factors such as climate change, weakening foreign exchange rates, high operational costs and regional conflicts.
It added that it has been absorbing price increases of imported rice for the past few years now.
Meanwhile, Thailand is making preparations for potential long-lasting drought conditions that could significantly impact global sugar and rice supplies.
The kingdom’s government officials have indicated that the country may experience a rainfall deficit of up to 10 percent during the current monsoon season, Bloomberg reported.
Furthermore, the anticipated arrival of the El Nino weather pattern could further diminish precipitation over the next two years. The country is also expected to confront extensive drought conditions starting in early 2024.
In response to this concerning forecast, Thai authorities have urged farmers to limit rice cultivation to a single crop in order to conserve water. Additionally, sugar producers are bracing for their first output decline in three years.
The impending drought is likely to contribute to inflation in Southeast Asia, as prices of vegetables, fresh produce, and meat are expected to rise due to reduced harvests and more expensive animal feed. – September 3, 2023