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KUCHING, Sept 4: The government should increase the supply of locally produced rice to meet the rising demand due to higher prices for imported rice, said Dato Sim Kiang Chiok.
The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Stakan branch chairman expressed his views on the announcement made by Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) regarding the immediate price adjustment for imported white rice, where the price per metric tonne of imported white rice has been raised to RM3,200 from the previous RM2,350.
“In my opinion, the rise in the price of rice has a significant impact on the cost of living in Malaysia.
“Bernas announced a price increase from RM2,350 to RM3,200, an increase of RM85 per ton or 0.85 cents per kilogramme, or a 36 per cent price increase.
“Because rice is our staple food, the price increase will have a significant impact on our food costs,” he said.
He went on to say that rice is a government-controlled item in Malaysia, and the price is also controlled, with subsidised prices for local rice.
“As a result of the increase in imported rice, there will be more demand for our government-subsidised local rice, and we hope that the government will increase supply to meet the increase in demand.
“We also hope that the government will maintain the subsidised price of local rice at this time, given the high cost of living,” Sim remarked.
According to various news reports, Bernas mentioned that it has been absorbing price increases of imported rice for the past few years.
However, it stated that the price adjustments were unavoidable due to the ongoing high level of uncertainty and the importance of ensuring long-term viability for businesses in the industry.
The company also noted that it will collaborate closely with the government and global industry partners to ensure Malaysia’s rice supply remains stable and food security is ensured. — DayakDaily
