‘Ceiling price call for local rice to involve other ministries’

IPOH: Discussion on any decision to increase the ceiling price of local white rice will involve several other ministries, says the Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.He said the current ceiling price of rice was last reviewed in 2008.

“There have been suggestions to increase the ceiling price. So, we will discuss it while making sure there is a balance between those involved in the food production chain such as padi farmers, traders and consumers.

“Among the ministries involved are the Economy and Finance Ministries, as well as our own,” he told reporters at the 2023 National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day at Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah here yesterday.

Mohamad said he would need to take a look at all the opinions given by the experts before making a decision on the ceiling price.

“I need to see what the economic experts say first. It depends on them. We always have meetings on food security and, rest assured, this issue will be brought to the meeting soon.

“Hopefully, we can come up with a win-win solution for everyone,” he added.

He was responding to a report quoting the Padi and Rice Regulatory Division in his ministry, which found that the ceiling price for local white rice should be increased to RM3.20 per kg compared to the current RM2.60 per kg to make sure that the future of all involved parties is secure, including the farmers.

The division said the increased price would help prevent a stockpile of local rice.

On another matter, Mohamad said the event attracted nearly 500,000 visitors. The three-day event began on Friday, with an initial target of 350,00 visitors.