Sunday April 27, 2008 MYT 7:25:49 PM
Food prices rise, eat less rice
By IAN McINTYRE
KOTA BARU: The Government will introduce a "holistic" package to deal with the global shortage of food commodities, including calling for a reduction in rice consumption.
Agriculture and Agro-Based Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said this in response to the Thai Government’s recent call for their people to reduce rice consumption to address the global increase in prices and acute shortage of staple foods.
"Each adult Malaysian consumes a per capita average of 77kg of rice per annum so there is room for a reduction by substituting it with a greater intake of vegetables and an emphasis on a health-conscious diet," he said after visiting the Merdeka padi scheme in Mulong with Kemubu Agriculture Development Authority chairman Datuk Seri Annuar Musa.
“Our plan is to preserve the food supply chain not only for ourselves but for our grandchildren and future generations. We want a comprehensive and holistic package to address the acute shortage of food commodities supply and its rising global prices.”
Presently, Malaysia only produces about 70% of its rice needs, but the ministry wants to significantly increase production levels to ensure the country is self-sufficient within the next few years.
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