KUALA LUMPUR: The year-end rice harvest by the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) has eased the supply of local white rice in the country.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu noted an increasing demand for local rice due to the surge in the price of imported rice, leading to recent panic buying.
He said efforts are underway to address the shortage of local rice and ensure an adequate supply at all times.
"This issue has eased. However, our rice is insufficient because the country's self-sufficiency level is only 65 per cent, with the remaining 35 per cent still inadequate.
"Mada has recently harvested rice. The next process involves drying and processing before the rice is available in the market," he said.
Mohamad made these remarks after completing a working visit to the AU2 Taman Keramat Community Garden today.
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has observed a trend of consumers shifting from buying imported rice to local rice due to India stopping its exports of rice.
Mohamad emphasised that food security issues, including the supply of chicken eggs and a potential shortage of onions in the future, will persist.
"The problem with food will not end, and disruptions in the rice supply continue," he stated.
In related developments, he encouraged residents' associations to apply for the Madani Community Fund, totalling RM1 billion under the Prime Minister's Department.
"The government has allocated the funds. So, apply early because it can be utilised starting next month.
"It depends on the parliamentary constituency. If the Parliament does not apply, such as the Bukit Bintang constituency having no open space, the allocation may be used by another Parliament," he added.
On Nov 25, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an allocation of RM1 billion to stimulate the economy at the rural level.
Regarding the allocation under his ministry, Mohamad explained that the ministry has an RM400 million allocation under the food security programme.
"The allocation is for general purposes, but the Finance Ministry presents the community fund mentioned in the 2024 Budget," he clarified.
During his visit, Mohamad also encouraged urban residents to get involved in food security efforts by opening community gardens in open areas.
He suggested that open fields near residential areas could be utilised by planting cash crops such as chilli, lemongrass, and ulam, providing benefits to the local population.