Sungai buloh: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) is actively monitoring the retail prices of local white rice to ensure the ceiling price remains at RM2.60 per kilogramme as reviews are underway. Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted that this initiative aims to maintain rice supplies at reasonable prices after the termination of the Subsidised Local White Rice (BPT) Special Programme.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad Sabu emphasized that the government has allocated approximately RM150 million in subsidies, and the BPT price of RM2.60 per kg remains unchanged until further review. He noted that no complaints regarding price increases have been received since the programme's termination. The ministry is conducting regular monitoring, with reports being reviewed after each Cabinet meeting to ensure the situation remains stable. Although imported white rice prices are not high, reliance on them is not feasible.
Mohamad Sabu made these remarks following a visit to the Sungai Buloh Padi Scheme planting project, which was attended by Negeri Sembilan Agriculture, Food Security and Cost of Living Committee Chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias. On Saturday, KPKM announced plans to reassess the white rice supply mechanism to ensure adequate supplies at reasonable prices following the end of the BPT Programme. The assessment will consider the price alignment of Imported White Rice (BPI) at RM2,600 per tonne, effective since May 15, and address rice-mixing practices in the market.
Furthermore, KPKM is working towards reviving the Self-Sufficiency Ratio (SSR) programme for rice, including redeveloping abandoned padi fields in collaboration with state governments. Mohamad Sabu stressed the importance of preparing for geopolitical events, such as India's rice export cessation and the Ukraine-Russia war, by aiming for a 90% self-sufficiency level in rice to ensure food security. The country's rice supply has decreased from 71% to 56% due to land loss from development and uncultivated land.
The interest of young people in large-scale padi farming is growing and receiving special attention. Mohamad Sabu mentioned requests to re-establish the Integrated Agricultural Development Area (AIDA) in Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor, which is essential for producing satisfactory SSRs and securing the country's rice supply.
Earlier, Mohamad Sabu visited the Fraser and Neave Holdings Bhd's dairy farm and milk processing plant at F and N Agri Valley in Gemas. This visit showcased how private investment can bolster local industry development and support Malaysia's food security agenda. The 2,000-acre dairy farm is equipped with modern facilities and technology, with an annual production target of 200 million litres of milk, currently producing 40,000 litres per day. Mohamad Sabu expressed optimism for similar investments to strengthen the country's dairy industry and ensure preparedness for future challenges.