KUALA LUMPUR – The retail price for imported white rice will see a reduction of between RM2 and RM3, effective tomorrow, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
He said the decision was made to increase the people’s access to the supply of rice at a reasonable price, following a National Action Council on Cost of Living meeting today.
“The government is optimistic that this initiative will help reduce the people’s cost of living, especially during Ramadan and the upcoming festive season.”
Mohamad said the government also allowed current padi and rice stocks purchased by manufacturers – amounting to 140,000 tonnes – to be immediately processed and released for use in the local markets.
This move is to intensify the distribution of local white rice in the market, he added.
Meanwhile, the location and programme frequency of Agro Madani sales activities carried out by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority and Farmers’ Organisation Authority will be expanded.
He said his ministry would also increase nationwide enforcement through regulatory body Kawalselia Padi dan Beras.
At the same time, Mohamad said Putrajaya agreed all government contracts should fully utilise imported white rice, so 20,000 tonnes of additional local white rice supply could be fully distributed by April.
“All these steps can increase the availability of rice supply to the people, through the sale of imported white rice at a lower price and the increase of local rice supply in the market.”
Mohamad said the ministry would continue discussions with all stakeholders to refine a long-term action plan for a more realistic rice-production cost structure.
“(This is) to ensure that the padi and rice industry is sustainable, especially in safeguarding the interests and welfare of rice farmers, as well as increasing the country’s productivity in rice production.
“This decision reflects the Madani government’s commitment to taking care of the people’s welfare, and further strengthening the national food security agenda.” – March 19, 2024