KUALA LUMPUR: Find alternative sources to ensure Malaysia has sufficient rice supplies, says Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng.
Wee (BN-Tanjung Piai) said Malaysia could look towards other countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Pakistan that also export rice.
“Before food security in Malaysia worsens, Malaysia must take immediate steps to overcome this.
“To overcome food security issues, we need to strengthen our country’s position by importing rice from countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Pakistan immediately.
“This is because other countries such as Indonesia and Philippines too are looking at other supplies after India halted its white rice exports which greatly affected the South-East Asia region,” he said when debating the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review (12MP MTR) in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Sept 13).
On Sept 1, Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) announced that the price of imported white rice increased by 36%, to RM3,200 from RM2,350 per metric tonne.
The new price is up by RM850 per metric tonne or RM0.85 per kg.
Bernas had said it faced a challenging first half of the year due to unpredictable factors such as climate change, the weakening foreign currency exchange rate, high operating costs, and conflicts in the region.
These factors, Bernas said, collectively left a significant mark on the global trading market and later, compounded by the ban on the export of white rice announced by India.
Apart from rice supplies, Wee said inflation and the rising price of goods also warranted attention.
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced that the country’s inflation rate was reduced by 2% in early September compared to the same period last year.
“Despite the reduction, it does not seem to reflect in the price of goods and services.
“Inflation reduction does not always align with a reduction in the price of goods,” he said.
To this, Wee suggested for the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to control the price of food items.
“At least the price of food will not spike,” he added.
Wee also pointed out the latest statistics on urban poverty in Malaysia, which was at 4.6% in 2022 and 3.9% in 2019 according to the Statistics Department, adding that it was something concerning.
In wrapping up, Wee urged the government to find a solution towards tackling food security, inflation and urban poverty.
“Strategies to control inflation and reduce the people’s financial burden are necessary.
“By working together, we can overcome these challenges and steer Malaysia towards lasting stability and prosperity,” he said,
Parliament is currently having a special sitting for the 12MP MTR beginning Monday (Sept 11) and ending on Sept 19.
