The proposal to increase the ceiling price of local white rice is expected to be finalised before October this year, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu.
He said several ministries, including his own, are still discussing the proposal.
“(The proposal) on any price change and so on are still being discussed, involving four to five ministries.
“Other ministries scrutinising the proposal include the Economy Ministry as well as the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry,” he said in a press conference at the launch of an agricultural exhibition in Serdang today.
Asked when the proposal would be finalised, Mohamad said: “Before October. Not that long.”
He said this when asked about the proposal to increase the ceiling price of local white rice to protect the future of all parties in the food production chain, especially the paddy farmers.
In November last year, the Paddy and Rice Regulatory Division found that the ceiling price of local white rice should be increased to RM3.20 per kg, compared with the current RM2.60 per kg.
The increase in the ceiling price of local white rice is important, to prevent the dumping of local rice as manufacturers are no longer interested in continuing to purchase rice, due to low prices.
Regarding cases of bird flu infections abroad, he said that the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) closely monitors the entry of food supplies into the country.
“Any place infected with the flu or any virus, the DVS will act quickly to advise the ministry not to import livestock and so on,” he said.
It was reported that a dairy worker in the United States was confirmed to be the third bird flu victim, after being exposed to an infected cow, and the first to suffer from respiratory problems.
- Bernama
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