KUALA LUMPUR: The government may introduce targetted subsidies for rice, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
Mohamad, commonly known as Mat Sabu, said this may be part of the restructuring of the rice industry.
He said an announcement on the restructuring of the industry may take three to four months as it would involve engagements with various stakeholders.
This includes farmers, wholesalers, millers, and consumers.
Mohamad said the interests of farmers must be prioritised, and that at the same time, wholesalers and millers cannot be running at losses.
"As for consumers, there are different categories, (for example) we have millions of foreign workers who enjoy subsidised rice," he said in an interview with Astro Awani.
Presently, the retail price for local white rice is capped at RM2.60 per kg. There are no restrictions as to who can purchase local rice.
In the past, there have been calls to limit the sale of local rice to Malaysians, though some quarters have criticised such proposals.
"Once (registrations for) the Padu (Central Database Hub) is complete, we may move towards targetted subsidies (for rice)."
Mohamad said the government wants all parties to be involved in the restructuring of the rice industry and voiced hope that with the new policy, long-term issues could be resolved.
Meanwhile, Mohamad said he believed Malaysia could achieve self-sufficiency for rice.
"We cannot depend on imports forever. Can we reach the self-sufficiency level (SSL) for rice? I say yes, it is possible," he said, adding this was possible by leveraging new technology, advanced planting methods, and opening new lands for padi planting.
He said he was encouraged by the cooperation of all state governments, including those in opposition-led states to open up new lands for padi planting.