The new Malaysia Madani white rice will need prior Cabinet approval, said Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali. He added that Cabinet approval is necessary in this matter as local white rice is a controlled food item.
Recently Malaysia Madani white rice (Beras Madani) has been introduced to address rising rice prices and manipulation in the local market. Led by Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, Chairman of the Task Force (Food Cluster) of the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL), Beras Madani will be priced at RM30 for 10 kilograms, available from March 1st, following discussions with the Prime Minister.
“There has been no discussion or approval from the ministry with regard to this. As far as the ministry is concerned, this is a private initiative by Syed Abu Hussin as the task force chairman, in trying to lower prices.
“However, to implement it nationwide, it will need clearance from Naccol and then the Cabinet,” said Lokman.
Syed Abu Hussin announced that Malaysia Madani white rice would replace categories of local and imported white rice. He stated that from Feb 19 to March 1, industry players can sell rice in old packaging until stocks are depleted. After this, all white rice packaging must bear the “Beras Putih Malaysia Madani” sticker.
Regarding the existing Padi and Rice Act 1994, Lokman mentioned no discussions about amendments. Syed Abu Hussin, when reached, stressed his responsibility as Naccol task force chairman to ensure white rice supply, even bypassing procedures.
“White rice is being sold at RM50 to RM70 per 10kg sack and after engaging with the three biggest padi producers, they decided that RM30 per 10kg sack is the most appropriate price for white rice.
“Currently, the price of local white rice is RM26 per 10kg sack. People are anxious about the shortage of local white rice in the market.
“There is no need to wait for procedures and as there is a need to introduce this, I made the announcement,” said Syed Abu Hussin, adding that he had informed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of the matter.
Reported by a local news media, Syed Abu Hussin clarified that wholesalers and retailers can determine whether Malaysia Madani white rice is solely local or mixed with imported, as long as the price remains RM30 per 10kg sack. He suggested amending the Act if needed. The price ceiling aims to prevent manipulation by manufacturers mixing rice types and relabeling them for higher profits due to uncontrolled imported rice prices.
