KUALA LUMPUR – Although Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal has good intentions with his Madani white rice proposal, there needs to be better coordination and engagement with industry players and other stakeholders prior to any announcements, said Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi, who is also government spokesman, said Syed Abu Hussin intends to help lower the prices of goods; however, concerns raised by millers and retailers have to be better addressed.
“The government has not decided on the Madani white rice proposal as it has to be brought up to the cabinet first. For now, the matter has not been brought up in the cabinet.
“The National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol) will issue a statement after reviewing the proposal in its entirety,” he said after launching an event at his Lembah Pantai constituency here today.
“For me, discussions must be held prior to any decision or public announcement. This is to avoid confusion.”
Earlier, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu reiterated that 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.
He added that the proposal will be discussed collectively in the upcoming Naccol meeting, as mentioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“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.
Any announcement or decision made must be in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522).
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 and priced at RM30 per 10kg bag.
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