SEMENYIH: Local rice prices will not rise in July, says the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
Its Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin said the RM2.60 per kg ceiling price would be maintained for local rice and consumers may file complaints with the relevant enforcement agency if any retailer exceeds this.
Refuting claims of a supply shortage, Chan said Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) had taken the initiative to increase the volume of imported rice by 30% to meet the needs of the wholesale sector.
"The ministry will continue monitoring and enforcement operations to ensure stable rice supply while protecting consumers and farmers," he said here on Wednesday (June 28).
According to Chan, the ministry would ensure adequate local rice supply.
"While there is no price control on imported rice, the ministry will monitor prices.
"Somehow, due to retailer competition, some imported rice costs less than controlled (local) rice prices," he said.
According to the ministry, the current retail price for a 10kg bag of imported rice is between RM28 and RM32, giving consumers more cheap rice options.
The ministry's Padi and Rice Regulatory Division director-general Azman Mahmood reminded retailers not to issue confusing remarks that local rice prices will increase next month.
He said any retailer increasing the price of local rice will be in violation of the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994.
"Anyone who violates the Act risks having their licence withdrawn. Anyone who misleads the public and causes a panic may face prosecution," he added.
He said the country's self-sufficiency level was at 65%, with only 35% of rice imported.
Despite the El Nino phenomenon and shortfall in the Kedah rice harvest, output in Perak and Pahang had increased, he said.
Chan said therefore, there was no rice shortage in the country, with one million tonnes of domestic rice on hand – enough for five and a half months
Previously, industry players indicated that the price of imported rice would rise by RM1 to RM2 in July due to bad weather and the weakening ringgit.
The new retail price for a 10kg pack of imported rice is projected to increase by between RM1 and RM2.
