BUKIT MERTAJAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is confident that the price of rice can be reduced after several detailed proposals by the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL).
He said NACCOL's meeting was postponed to next week due to pressing reasons.
"Several proposals will be tabled at the meeting before a final decision is made concerning the price control on rice.
"I am confident it can be reduced by careful sourcing of rice, awarding of contracts and profits," he said at the Jualan Termurah Madani Programme in Bandar Perda, here, today.
Present were NACCOL chairman Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal and Tanjong Karang member of parliament Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi.
Anwar said the government would reduce the people's burden by using its power to address the rice cartel issue.
"We understand that no one will do business if there is no profit, but don't take too much profit. By doing so, the selling price will increase, therefore affecting the people.
"We also have diligent and earnest officers carrying out their duties, similar to when we floated the price of chicken.
"Previously, there was a saying that the cartel was waiting, but no one dared to touch it. So we called them (manufacturers or suppliers) and asked how much profit they received. If it is too much, we will use our power to defend the people."
Meanwhile, Anwar said the government intended to make the Jualan Termurah Madani Programme one of the programmes under its control due to it being well-received by the people.
"I told the Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu to discuss the possibility of making this programme a government programme after it is examined by all government departments and agencies."
It was reported recently that the government would introduce the Malaysia Madani white rice priced at RM30 for a 10kg sack next Monday, which is expected to be available in the market from March 1.
Syed Abu Hussin said this meant there would no longer be local white rice and imported white rice categories, adding that the Malaysia Madani white rice would be the sole category.