Govt to boost domestic corn production as import costs tripled

 

PARLIAMENT | The cost to import corn used for making animal feed has tripled over time, prompting a move towards boosting domestic production.

Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Ronald Kiandee (above) said the current cost to import corn ranges between RM1,700 and RM1,800 per tonne, up from between RM600 and RM800 per tonne.

“So, there is an urgency for the ministry to come up with new approaches to boost domestic corn production,” said the Beluran MP during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Rising costs of animal feed have been attributed as a contributing factor to increasing chicken prices and overall supply disruption.

Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof (PN-Alor Gajah) in his supplementary question cited a total food import cost of RM73 billion, while official data from the Department of Statistics recorded a total food import cost of RM55.5 billion in 2020 while exports were only at RM33.8 billion.

Kiandee did not respond to Redzuan’s question on a specific reduction target to the food import costs and instead elaborated on overall strategies adopted towards improving Malaysia’s food security status.

In his main response to Ahmad Nazlan Idris (BN-Jerantut), Kiandee cited the functions of various committees, including the Special Jihad Taskforce to Tackle Inflation, as part of short-term measures to tackle rising supplies cost.

‘Bernas helps ensure rice supply’

The minister also reiterated the government’s stand to not backtrack on its decision to extend Padiberas Nasional Bhd’s (Bernas) monopoly on rice imports for another 10 years.

“Bernas is tasked to ensure a stable supply of rice in the country,” said Kiandee in response to opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

He insisted that Bernas is also tasked to fulfil 10 obligations, including assisting paddy farmers in improving their yield.

Anwar had insisted that the government’s move to extend Bernas’ concession was flawed and denied poor farmers profits earned by rich businesses. - Mkini