A letter published in Star Opinion (5 Sept 2024) highlighted a disconcerting experience on the inability by the author to purchase locally produced white rice in supermarkets or hypermarkets in Penang. Given rice's importance as a staple food for Malaysians and East and South Asians, this issue is troubling.

Despite increased padi yields in the Muda region ("Rice yields up despite hot weather," The Star, 24 Aug), local white rice availability is inconsistent. Earlier this year, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu reported Malaysia's local white rice self-sufficiency at 62.6%, with a target of 80% by 2030. However, the reliance on imports has grown, and local rice has largely vanished from the market after a price hike for imported rice last September.

The MCA Agriculture Bureau calls on the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) to clarify if there is indeed a rice shortage. It is unusual that Thailand, a major rice exporter, is now importing rice. What steps is MAFS taking to address local white rice shortages (if any) and improve rice self-sufficiency?

Although temporary supply issues have been mentioned, concerns about a persistent local rice shortage remain. MAFS should detail its long-term plans to ensure a stable rice supply and reduce import dependency.

Considering that a proposal by the Coalition of Rice Millers Malaysia for a single grade of white rice remains unaddressed, our Bureau requests an update on supporting local padi farmers and implementing this proposal to prevent manipulation whereby local white rice is packaged as imported.

Given that global trends like El Nino and La Nina affect rice availability and that even Thailand is importing rice, what measures are being taken to manage Malaysia's rice supply and pricing effectively to deter prices from soaring in view of the demand for rice?

The government must demonstrate real-time actions to ensure rice sustainability and address market challenges, beyond just announcements.

YB Tan Chong
MCA Agricultural Bureau Chairman
State Assemblyman for Bekok

6 September 2024

-MCA Comm-

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