Rm400 Mil Subsidy Provided For Government Premises To Use Imported Rice Ensure Local Rice Available In Market Says Pm

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The government will provide a subsidy amounting to RM400 million to allow the use of imported rice at government premises such as hospitals, army camps and school hostels, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today. NSTP/EIZAIRI SHAMSUDINBENTONG: The government will provide a subsidy amounting to RM400 million to allow the use of imported rice at government premises such as hospitals, army camps and school hostels, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today.
He said the move will ensure a higher availability of local white rice in the market and will no longer burden the people from facing a shortage of rice.
"Earlier today, I met Mat Sabu(Agriculture and Food Security Ministry Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu) about the issues concerning rice and it's true the price of imported rice has gone up, and we are facing shortages(of local rice).
"Those who are used to purchasing imported rice, now choose to buy local rice.
"We have decided to purchase only imported rice for government premises including police training centres, army camps and school hostels which previously used local rice. How much of additional subsidy is involved? Almost RM400 million. It's not free. This will allow about five percent of rice supply previously used at the government premises to be available in the market.
"We have already decided this and will see the results in the next one week," he said in a speech at the 'Segalanya Felda' Carnival at Felda Chemomoi in Pelangai here today.
Anwar said the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (Fama) must also play an active role to increase local white rice distribution especially at places facing shortages.
Also present at the event were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Felda chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Bentong member of parliament Young Syefura Othman and Felda Settlers chief Sulong Jamil Mohamed Sharif.
Earlier today, Mohamad announced four intervention measures to address the issue affecting rice supply in Malaysia. He also said Anwar also called India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi over issues regarding the rice export restrictions imposed by India. (https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/10/962144/mohamad-outcome-g2g-ta...)
Meanwhile, Anwar gave his word that the Madani unity government has embarked on several measures to resolve all the issues plaguing Felda schemes nationwide.
He assured that Felda will receive the best attention compared to previously as various ministries have been roped in to work as a team to execute necessary changes and improvements in these settlements.
"Felda is under the Prime Minister's Department, but I have instructed the Education and Health Ministries to work together and coordinate accordingly when it concerns Felda schemes. This is so that we can see changes in the next one or two years.
"Besides Shabery and Zahid ( Rural and Regional Development Minister,Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi), I want all the ministries to work as a team and be involved.
"Some people say nothing much has changed (in Felda). Of course as the unity government has only recently come into power. We have allocated RM8.3 billion to waive Felda debts which was followed by other assistance and there will be more in the next Madani budget.
"I have previously announced several other initiatives to improve Internet access at schools in Felda schemes, installing street lamp posts, and setting up at least one dialysis centre in each Felda scheme in the country. I have asked Shabery and Zahid to assist with these measures."
Meanwhile, Anwar lauded the move by the Pahang government led by Wan Rosdy for identifying a solution to solve abandoned second-generation housing project issue at Felda schemes.
"Housing issues are a major problem at these schemes. Since the Pahang government embarked on a mission to repair the abandoned homes, the federal government can also provide some assistance (refund the repair cost)," he said. - NST

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