Vietnam to the rescue Malaysia with 800,000 tonnes of rice

There will be enough rice for Malaysia, with Vietnam promising 800,000 tonnes of the commodity.

The Government has also given a guarantee that any shortage, expected with major rice-growing countries like Thailand, Cambodia and Laos being run over by flood waters, will not cause prices to shoot up.

There has been growing concern for public safety and food supply, including rice, with some 1.5 million hectares of the region's padi fields under water.

Malaysia, which depends on these countries for 30% of its rice supply, has vowed to source the commodity from other places.

Other developments:

> Local padi farmers are encouraged to sow hybrid seeds that can double their yield; and

> Malaysians have been advised against stocking up on rice as its quality may deteriorate after a while. - Star