PM asks Agro Ministry to lead more engagements on rice

The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has been asked to coordinate more engagement sessions on the paddy and rice issue as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said this was decided after considering suggestions from industry players and NGOs representing farmers and manufacturers to ensure rice is available at a reasonable price for the people.

He said the engagement sessions should take into account the purchase price of paddy, supply factors, world import rice prices, the sustainability of local rice supply and the impact on consumers.

“I also directed that the outcomes of these engagements be presented and finalised at the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol) meeting on March 20 before being submitted for the consideration of the cabinet,” he said.

Anwar said this in a statement yesterday after chairing a special meeting of the Naccol.

He said in the meantime, low-cost sales programmes including Rahmah Sales, Madani Agro Sales, and others should be expanded so that people can purchase daily necessities, including rice, at lower than market prices.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

Meanwhile, he said Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) agreed to reconsider the offer price of imported white rice (BPI) in the domestic market so that BPI can be sold at a lower price, thereby providing an alternative for the people to obtain rice at a more reasonable price.

Anwar said the intervention of the Madani government is critical at this time and a decision needs to be made promptly to ensure the supply and prices of the people’s staple food remain stable.

The prime minister said he still received complaints regarding the supply of local white rice (BPT) although the supply and price of BPT in the domestic market were generally under control.

Beef up enforcement

He said the people are also affected by the increase in the price of BPI in the global market due to export bans imposed by rice-producing countries.

“I also mentioned the importance of enhancing enforcement to ensure the availability of rice in the market and that no wholesaler or manufacturer profits excessively or mixes the content of BPT and BPI to be sold at high prices,” he added.

Anwar also emphasised that the government must continue to focus on the cost of living issue, which still burdens the people despite inflation easing to 1.5 percent as of last month.

The special Naccol meeting was attended by ministers, deputy ministers, secretaries-general of relevant ministries, as well as the central bank governor, along with representatives from industries, consumers, NGOs, and academics who are members of Naccol.

- Bernama