PUTRAJAYA: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry will reassess the supply mechanism for white rice following the end of the local white rice subsidy scheme (BPT) on Sunday (Aug 31), to ensure the public continues to have sufficient supply at affordable prices.
In a statement on Saturday (Aug 300, the ministry stated that the review will also consider the price adjustment of imported white rice (BPI) at RM2,600 per metric tonne at the Padi Beras Nasional Berhad (Bernas) warehouses, which took effect on May 15, as well as measures to curb rice-mixing practices in the market.
"The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry also assures that rice supply will continue to be closely monitored to ensure the public has access to sufficient stock at affordable prices," read the statement.
The subsidy scheme for BPT, introduced on March 1, was part of the government’s effort to effectively deliver subsidies to the target groups, while serving as a transitional phase in Malaysia’s white rice supply system.
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry’s survey over the six months of the programme’s implementation indicated that demand for BPT stood at about 18.2 million bags, or 75.8 per cent of the original target of 24 million bags.
"This trend shows that the public is more inclined to choose rice offered at affordable prices rather than relying solely on subsidised options," the ministry said, adding that the experience gained from the implementation will be the foundation for long-term strategies to maintain market balance between local and imported rice.
It said the ministry is also focusing on the effectiveness of subsidy targeting to ensure that it reaches the intended groups without compromising the sustainability of the country’s rice industry.
"The government will also continue working with BERNAS and other industry players to curb any form of leakage and ensure that no party takes advantage of rice prices and supply.
"The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is committed to ensuring that every household in Malaysia has access to affordable white rice with guaranteed quality," it added. - Bernama
