Inter-ministerial talk to be held to discuss ceiling price for rice

IPOH: Discussions will be held among ministries on the call to raise the ceiling price for rice, says Datuk Mohamad Sabu.

The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said the discussion would take into consideration all parties involved in the rice supply chain, especially farmers.

“The current ceiling price was last reviewed in 2008 and there have been suggestions to increase it. We will discuss this to make sure there is a balance between those involved in the chain such as farmers, traders and the consumers,” he said.

Mohamad said this when speaking to reporters at the 2023 National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day at Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah here on Sunday (Nov 12).

Ministries involved in the discussion include Economy and Finance, he added.

“I need to see what the economic experts say first. It depends on them. We always have meetings on food security and rest assured that this issue will be brought to the meeting soon.

“Hopefully we can come out with a win-win solution for everyone,” Mohamad added.

It was reported on Nov 11 that the Padi and Rice Regulatory had suggested to increase the ceiling price for rice from RM2.60 to RM3.20 per kg.

They had said that the increased rate would help to prevent stockpiles of local rice as manufacturers are not keen on purchasing these rice due to the low price.