‘Economy rice’ no more

Growing concern: Malaysia is not the only country facing a price hike in rice. Other key exporting countries, including Thailand and Vietnam, have also been affected.

PETALING JAYA: Restaurant owners are looking at raising the price of their rice dishes as the cost of imported rice goes up by 36%, driven by factors including climate change and conflicts.

“We will be left with no choice but to pass the extra cost to our customers. We can expect to see the price of a plate of rice to go up by about 20sen,” said Wong Choy Sim, who owns a popular Chinese restaurant in Tapah, Perak.