The government must establish a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate elements that are disrupting the rice and paddy ecosystem in the country, said Muhyiddin Yassin.
Taking to Facebook today, the former prime minister said the probe should check if there are leakages or trade offences.
He also proposed the tabling of a white paper to scrutinise direct and indirect issues affecting the sustainability of the said industry.
On Feb 13, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu announced the government will maintain the price of local white rice at RM2.60 per kg.
He said the government would absorb part of the production costs for local white rice over the next six months.
“This RM150 million allocation for six months is to ensure the availability of local white rice supply, with approximately 24 million 10kg sacks in the market.
“We are currently finalising the implementation mechanism, which will be announced in the near future once the details are confirmed,” he added.
Mohamad also announced that the government agreed to adjust the floor price for paddy purchases from RM1,300 to RM1,500 per tonne, beginning Feb 16.
Putrajaya made the decision after over 200 farmers protested in Putrajaya on Jan 27, demanding an increase in the floor price of paddy from RM1,300 to RM1,800 per tonne.
Higher floor price
On that note, Muhyiddin said he attended a meeting with the Malaysian Paddy Farmers Brotherhood Organisation (Pesawah), and was presented with details on the paddy and rice issue, including a lack of access to quality seeds.
According to the Pagoh MP, the farmers insisted on raising the floor rice for paddy to RM1,800 to cover rising costs.
“They attributed the rising costs to the purchase of seeds, low-quality fertilisers and pest control, rising prices of machinery, and monopolies which don’t benefit paddy farmers.
“That’s why this issue must be addressed comprehensively and touch on the paddy and rice supply chain, with the participation of all relevant government agencies,” he added. - Mkini
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