KUALA LUMPUR: The quality of local white rice (BPT) is on par with imported rice despite some assuming that it quickly goes stale, has an odour and produces mushy rice, says the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi).
Its director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani said Mardi remains committed to ensuring the quality of BPT, starting from the basic seed stage to rice production.
“In Malaysia, we have a special scheme – the Padi Seed Certification Scheme – to ensure the seeds distributed to farmers are genuine, high-quality, high-yielding and disease-free.
“We also conduct laboratory tests to ensure the seeds produced have a high germination rate, thus preventing the distribution of low-quality seeds.
“Standards are also set for padi and rice through specifications developed by the Department of Standards Malaysia and Sirim Bhd
“These standards encompass specifications and grades for padi and rice, including purity level, rate of broken grain, and control over the presence of foreign materials like pebbles, dust, or wood waste,” Mohamad Zabawi said.
He said that with these standards, the rice produced is of the highest quality and safe, besides being of the same standard as imported rice.
Mohamad Zabawi said this is because both offer almost similar qualities in terms of texture, aroma and nutritional content.
On the differences in terms of feel or softness, he said that would depend on individual taste, though scientifically, local rice has been proven to be on par with imported rice.
“There is no significant difference between local and imported rice. For example, the MR333 variant, also known as Menora, which Mardi recently launched, is nearly the same length as Siamese rice.
“It’s also the same for local fragrant rice varieties like MRQ76, which has a mild aroma comparable to Thai jasmine rice. The difference is more towards consumer preference,” he said.
In this matter, Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) has also implemented stringent controls through laboratories that are ISO 17025:2017 accredited, which are equipped with facilities to carry out physical, chemical and sensory tests.
Bernas also collaborates with the Chemistry Department to organise inter-laboratory comparison tests and proficiency tests to strengthen the accuracy of analysis and reliability of local rice quality control results.
Commenting on nutritional value, Mohamad Zabawi explained that some local rice varieties have advantages that benefit consumers.
“For example, the Mardi MRQ103 fragrant rice variety has a low glycemic index suitable for diabetics or individuals who want to control their diet.
“That doesn’t mean it can cure the disease; it just provides a healthier option for consumers,” he added.
