Govt to finalise price controls for rice next week, says PM

BUKIT MERTAJAM: The government will finalise price controls for rice during a National Action Council for Cost of Living (Naccol) special meeting next week, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said he was confident that the price of rice could be reduced, and subsequently alleviate the burden on the people.

"The meeting has been postponed to next week. We will decide on the controlled price for rice during the meeting," he said during his speech at the Madani sales programme at Bandar Perda here on Friday (Feb 16).

ALSO READ: Malaysia Madani rice plan still needs Cabinet approval

He added that the government would thoroughly examine details of essential commodities before any decision is finalised.

Also present during the programme were Naccol chairman Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal and Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi.

Earlier, Anwar took the time to mingle with the public and visited stalls selling various essential goods, including rice and other items.

ALSO READ: Malaysia Madani white rice: Proof of govt's commitment to address people's concerns

It was reported that the government would introduce a "Beras Putih Malaysia Madani" white rice category to replace the local and imported white rice categories in the market.

Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz had said that the new ceiling price would be determined on Feb 19 and implemented on March 1.