Johor ready to offer land to federal govt for paddy planting

The Johor state government is prepared to offer land for paddy planting activities to help the federal government overcome the shortage of local white rice.

Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi in a Facebook post also suggested a number of things for the federal government’s consideration, including establishing imported rice subsidies until the local white rice supply becomes sufficient.

He said repacking rice into smaller packets, such as one or two-kilogramme packs, will make it easier and cheaper for the public struggling to make ends meet.

“(The government was also told to) consider importing rice from other countries such as Indonesia which offers rice at cheaper prices,” he wrote today.

Onn Hafiz said the issue of local rice shortage and increased prices of imported rice is greatly affecting the people, who are burdened with higher costs of living.

“I visited several locations to see for myself the reality of the situation at the grassroots level. I found some basic food items, such as local rice, eggs, and subsidised cooking oil packets, are in short supply.

Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi

“This matter must be taken seriously by the state government. I have asked executive councils involved and related agencies such as the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority to examine short, medium, and long-term planning to meet the needs of the people,” he added.

- Bernama