SERDANG, June 7 — All the relevant parties are still discussing the proposal to increase the ceiling price of local white rice (BPT) before a decision is made, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
“Discussions between all parties are taking place and we need several more months (before) a decision is made,” he told the media after officiating the launch of the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Food Security Blueprint here today.
Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir and UPM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah.
Mohamad said this when asked to comment on the BPT ceiling price hike to protect the future of the food production chain, especially padi farmers.
In November, the Paddy and Rice Regulatory Division found the ceiling price of BPT should be increased to RM3.20 per kg from the current RM2.60 per kg.
The increase in the ceiling price of BPT is important to prevent the occurrence of local rice dumping, as manufacturers become uninterested in purchasing rice due to low prices.
On complaints about insufficient supply of local rice, Mohamad said immediate action has been taken to meet demand.
He added that the supply of local rice is stable, but as long as the country continues to import about 38 per cent, there will be a price hike.
Mohamad expressed concern the prolonged drought in Kelantan could affect the yield this year and beyond.
He said the matter is being seriously discussed with all parties.
Regarding the UPM Food Security Blueprint, Mohamad said the university has outlined various initiatives involving technology and new cultivation methods.
He said the strategy involved modernising the agricultural sector, with a smart concept as a key element, under the National Agro-Food Policy 2021-2030, in terms of research, development, commercialisation and entrepreneurship.
— Bernama
