4 Ministries Discussing Proposed Increase In Ceiling Price Of Local White Rice

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Multi-ministry discussions are being held to ensure that no party would be burdened if the proposal to increase the price of local rice is implemented.PETALING JAYA: Four ministries are discussing whether to increase the ceiling price of local white rice from RM2.60 per kg to RM3.20 per kg.
Agriculture and food security minister Mohamad Sabu said that apart from his ministry, the finance, economy, and domestic trade and cost of living ministries were also involved in the talks.
Mohamad said the multi-ministry discussions were being held to ensure no party would be burdened if the proposal is implemented.
“The current price (of local white rice) has remained the same since 2008. Hence, some parties have requested for it to be reviewed,” he said in an Utusan Malaysia report.
“If there is (an increase), the burden will not be on one party alone. We need to consider the burden faced by rice farmers, wholesalers, manufacturers and consumers.”
He said any decision on increasing the ceiling price of local white rice will be based on a “win-win situation” for all parties.
Previously, there were calls from Titiwangsa MP Johari Ghani and Mydin hypermarket managing director Ameer Ali Mydin to increase the ceiling price to RM3.20 per kg and RM3.40 per kg respectively.
Johari suggested that the government allow the ceiling price to be raised to RM32 per 10kg from the current rate of RM26 to make padi farming more profitable for farmers, adding that this would also then see big companies participate in the sector and help develop it further.
Meanwhile, Ameer wanted the government to increase the ceiling price to RM34 per 10kg to overcome a shortage in its supply, stating that cost factors discouraged local millers from producing the rice due to its current low ceiling price (RM26/10kg). - FMT

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