KUALA LUMPUR – The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry will hold a meeting with Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) and padi farmers next Thursday, following the immediate price hike of all imported white rice.
Other topics of discussion include the country’s supply of local rice.
“This Thursday (the ministry will hold a meeting) with Bernas, high-ranking officials from Bernas and padi farmers to discuss steps to ensure sufficient local rice in the country.
“Just like when we were faced with issues of chicken and egg supplies… if everyone works together, God-willing we can overcome it. We hope it is the same for the rice issue,” said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
He told reporters this after launching the national-level Karnival Jualan Mega Agro Madani at Melaka’s Dataran Sejarah Ayer Keroh today.
Mohamad said his ministry also held a dialogue session with rice manufacturers in Kedah previously to inform them about the current national policy regarding rice supply.
“They will adhere to the government’s policies and strict action will be taken if they try to hoard supplies or change the labels (from local to imported).”
He said the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority will work with industry players to ensure that rice is sent to areas experiencing shortages.
Bernas adjusted the retail price of imported white rice from RM2,350 a tonne to RM3,200 effective Friday.
It added that Bernas endured a very challenging first half of the year due to external factors such as climate change, weakening foreign exchange rates, high operational costs and regional conflicts.
“These factors have collectively triggered a significant impact on the global rice trading market, and it was further compounded by the effect of India’s recent announcement of the ban on the exportation of white rice.” – September 3, 2023