PETALING JAYA: The public has been reassured of a stable rice supply despite recent floods, particularly in Kedah, which had destroyed large tracts of padi fields in the state, said the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry.
Its secretaty-general (development) Datuk Badrul Hisham Mohd said Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) currently maintains a government-mandated stockpile of 200,000 metric tonnes.
“In total, there are 1.1 million metric tonnes available, which includes 900,000 metric tonnes currently in the market.
“This stock is sufficient to meet national needs for six months, alleviating fears of any shortage,” he said when contacted.
In addition, Badrul Hisham said the government will continue importing around 200,000 metric tonnes of rice from India to bolster supplies.
He said while the recent floods in Kedah had impacted local rice production, the government is monitoring the situation.
The ministry is also prepared to assist affected farmers through Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) or other relevant agencies, he added.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change, including drought and floods, that have led to a decline in local production.
