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Ministry forms committee to address local white rice shortage

SHAH ALAM: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is forming a special committee to address the shortage of local white rice.

Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the ministry was also conducting engagement sessions with several parties, including the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, to tackle the issue.

"We are currently addressing this (local white rice shortage) issue. A special committee is being formed, and the secretary-general views this as a significant concern.

"We are seeking the best solution and are engaging with several ministries, including the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, to resolve the matter.

"While rice is available, there is a shortage of local white rice," he said after launching the 2024 state Parti Amanah Negara Convention here today.

Mohamad, who is also Amanah president, said this in response to concerns raised by various parties, including government backbenchers and the opposition, about the shortage.

He added that his ministry was working to transform agencies and bodies involved in padi production, including the National Farmers' Organisation, to help address the issue.

"The ministry is actively promoting large-scale padi cultivation, similar to the practices in Sekinchan, to boost future rice production."

Previously, Pasir Gudang member of parliament Hassan Abdul Karim expressed concern over the inadequate supply of local white rice in supermarkets.

The PKR veteran said while locally produced white rice, priced at RM2.60 per kilogramme, remains unavailable, imported white rice continues to dominate the market.

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