KUALA LUMPUR – Bernas has agreed to reconsider the price of imported white rice (BPI) for the domestic market so that it can be sold cheaper, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The prime minister also called for the increase of sales programmes, including Rahmah sales and Civil Agro sales, to make daily essentials, including rice, more affordable for the public.
He said the implementation schedule for these programmes would be regularly announced.
The decision comes following a special meeting of the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol), which was chaired by Anwar and attended by key government officials, industry representatives, consumer advocates, non-governmental organisations and academics who are Naccol members.
Following the meeting, Anwar emphasised the government’s commitment to tackling cost of living issues, despite the easing inflation rate of 1.5% as of January 2024.
“The people are still affected by the increase in the price of imported white rice in the global market following the export ban imposed by rice-producing countries,” he said.
“I emphasise that the intervention of the Madani government at this point is very critical and needs to be decided immediately to ensure that the issue of supply and price of the people’s main staple food continues to remain stable in the market.
“I also alluded to the importance of increasing enforcement to ensure that no wholesalers or manufacturers make excessive profits or blend the contents of (local white rice, BPT) and BPI to sell at a high price.
“The focus was particularly on the supply and pricing of BPT, which is generally under control, but concerns were raised about its limited availability in the market.”
Acknowledging complaints about the limited supply of BPT and the surge in BPI prices globally, the prime minister highlighted the importance of government enforcement to prevent profiteering and the unethical blending of BPT and BPI for higher profits.
The meeting also discussed the proposed implementation of the proposed Madani white rice programme, with industry representatives and NGOs offering suggestions to address the country’s rice situation.
The meeting resulted in the decision for the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to lead and coordinate detailed engagement sessions promptly.
These discussions will consider factors such as the purchase price of rice, supply dynamics, global rice prices, sustainability of local rice supply, and their impact on consumers.
The results of these engagements are expected to be presented and finalised at the Naccol meeting scheduled for March 20 before being submitted to the cabinet for consideration.
Earlier today, Anwar said Putrajaya would decide on the Madani white rice proposal, among others, during the Naccol meeting this afternoon.
He added that the food cluster task force would discuss the initiative to sell other necessities, including fish, chicken, meat and vegetables, at lower prices.
Anwar reiterated that any announcement on the price of essential goods, especially rice, must come from the government.
According to the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994, the power to regulate padi and rice, including the direction of supply and price, lies with the agriculture ministry.
Previously, Domestic Trade and Costs 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 had been reached by Naccol. – February 23, 2024