THE authorities need to 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 which also exports rice.
“Before food security in Malaysia worsens, Malaysia must take immediate steps to overcome this problem.
“This is because other countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines too are looking at other supplies after India halted its white rice exports which has affected the South-East Asian region,” he said when debating the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review (12MP MTR).
On Sept 1, Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) announced that the price of imported white rice has been increased by 36% to RM3,200 from RM2,350 per metric tonne.
The new price is RM850 per metric tonne or RM0.85 per kg.
Wee also said inflation and the rising price of consumer goods also warranted attention.
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced that the country’s inflation rate reduced by 2% in early September compared to the same period last year.
“Despite the reduction, it does not seem to reflect with the price of goods and services.”
He called on the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to control the price of food items to prevent a further spike in prices.
Wee urged the government to find a solution on tackling food insecurity, 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.
He also expressed concern on 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.
Bernas was reported to have said that 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 of the export of white rice announced by India.
The special meeting on the mid-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan began on Monday and ends on Sept 19.
