Malaysia: Consumers to turn to expensive imported rice

• Jun 30, 2023

PETALING JAYA: Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) should remove import surcharges on imported rice to temporarily offset its price increase, says Bumiputra Retailers Organisation president Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin.

He said that rice is imported to supplement the existing shortage of locally produced rice. “More consumers will have to buy imported rice, which generally costs RM6 more for every 10kg.”

It has been reported that the price of imported rice is expected to go up between RM1 and RM2 next month due to the weakened ringgit and poor weather conditions.

As for local rice, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Chan Foong Hin said its ceiling price will remain at RM2.60 per kilo. He also said Bernas had taken the initiative to increase the volume of imported rice by 30% to meet local demand, refuting claims of supply shortage.Ameer Ali said price controls and a poor harvest due to the weather had impacted local rice production.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/06/30/consumers-to-turn-to-expensive-imported-rice