No control over rice stocks, just measures to ensure supply: Fahmi

Minister says govt's measures include modifying contracts for agencies to buy imported rice, allowing more than 20,000 tonnes of local rice to return to the market

Fahmi Fadzil clarifies that local rice reserves are being liquidated and removed from storage, a process that will take some time, but he emphasises that the government is committed to ensuring adequate local rice supply. – Scoop pic, June 1, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – The government is not controlling stocks of local white rice but instead taking measures to ensure enough stock in the country, said unity government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil.

“One of the measures taken by the government is to modify the contract for agencies to buy imported rice. This will allow more than 20,000 tonnes of local rice to return to the market.

“Local rice reserves have also started to be liquidated and taken out of storage. This process will take some time.

“However, we will bring this matter to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry for checks so that it can be addressed and proper action can be taken,” he said when asked about the lack of local white rice in supermarkets but available at Madani sales events.

Earlier today, Fahmi, who is also communications minister, launched the Kita Madani Carnival in Kerinchi here.

Among the government agencies involved were Bernama and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia. 

The carnival also offers several mini-programmes, such as Jualan Rahmah, Sukan Rakyat, Program Jualan Agro and Larian Madani.

“I hope we can bring this event to other states to strengthen inter-state relationships and also the relationships between the government and the people.

“I also hope that this event will be one of the places where people can come and learn about the government’s latest policies, efforts and programmes organised for the rakyat, where they can give feedback or convey any issues they face.” – June 1, 2024