In Kelantan, it’s ‘normal’ to buy smuggled Thai rice

 

Consumers in Kelantan say smuggled Thai white rice smells more fragrant and tastes better than locally produced rice. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: A significant portion of Kelantan folk are reportedly choosing to purchase white rice smuggled from Thailand, with some claiming that it is more fragrant and tastes better than locally produced rice.

According to Utusan Malaysia, more than 50,000 metric tonnes of Thai rice are brought into the state every week, and there is a high demand for the various brands.

The news portal claimed that more than 1,000 residents in areas bordering Thailand have relied on bringing in Thai rice as their main source of income.

One smuggler, who only wanted to be known as Long, said he would bring in 500kg to 600kg of rice from Thailand a day. While Thai rice has also gone up in price, the 47-year-old said local demand has not declined.

“I frequently hear consumers complaining about having to pay more because the ringgit has declined.

“But they (still prefer Thai rice) because it has been a staple for Kelantan folk for many years now,” he was quoted as saying.

A retailer in Tumpat, who only wanted to be known as Ros, said Thai rice of various brands continue to sell well while there is not much demand for local rice.

Even Ros herself prefers the rice from Thailand, saying she has “grown used to its tastiness”.

“I know selling rice smuggled from Thailand is wrong, but this isn’t new. For generations, this has been a source of income for traders in this state,” she said.

A consumer, identified only as Ramlah, 50, said she has been eating smuggled rice since she was a child.

She claimed that Thai rice tasted sweeter than local rice, and had a more fragrant and appetising aroma. - FMT