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KUCHING, Sept 7: The relevant authorities have to ensure that the price of locally produced white rice is not affected by the recent hike in imported white rice.
According to a news report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, said the hike in imported rice has caused much concern among grocers and consumers in Sarawak.
Dr Abdul Rahman said local consumers have the choice of buying locally produced white rice if the price of imported white has increased.
“Consumers have the choice, and the most important thing is that the relevant authority must ensure that the supply of subsidised rice is not affected,” he said when met by reporters during his working visit to Limbang Recreational Playground Project yesterday (Sept 6).
Dr Abdul Rahman, who is also Bukit Kota assemblyman, agreed that the price hike of imported rice has an impact on local consumers especially those in the low-income group.
“We are worried about the situation as rice is our basic staple diet in Asia, and, in Malaysia, therefore it is very sensitive to our community,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) has announced a rise in the price of imported white rice in the market by 36 per cent effective Sept 1, 2023.
The hike in price is due to an increase in the price of imported white rice from RM2,350 to RM3,200 per metric tonne, an increase of RM850 per metric tonne or RM0.85 per kilogramme. — DayakDaily
