KUALA LUMPUR – The government has yet to reach a decision on the proposal to establish a single grade of white rice in the country, which will be named Malaysia Madani white rice.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the proposal will be discussed collectively in the upcoming National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol) meeting, as mentioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry would like to clarify the confusion arising from the announcement made by Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal.
“At the moment, no decision has been reached regarding his proposal to establish a singular grade of white rice in the country, which will be named Malaysia Madani white rice,” he said in a statement today.
Mohamad, better known as Mat Sabu, said any announcement or decision made must be in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522).
“Any such announcement or decision must also be communicated to the cabinet,” he said.
On February 14, Naccol food cluster task force chairman Syed Abu Hussin announced the introduction of the Malaysia Madani white rice.
He was reported as saying there will no longer be local white rice and imported white rice categories, adding that the Malaysia Madani white rice will be the sole category.
Syed Abu Hussin said between February 19 and March 1, rice industry players can make adjustments and sell rice in old packaging until all wholesalers’ stocks are sold out. – February 17, 2024