Local rice should be sold only to Malaysians - Umno Youth

SHAH ALAM - The government must implement a policy prioritising the sale of local rice for Malaysians to overcome the crisis shortage of the staple food.

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh said the measures would stabilise the crisis of rice supply that is vital at this time.

"We know local rice was cheap due to government subsidies, so this aid must be given to the locals first.

"I plead for the Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu to consider this policy temporarily,” he said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

On Sept 5, Mohamad Sabu had said that the sudden increase in local rice demand recently was due to the shortage in several locations.

It followed the adjustment of the sale price of imported white rice effective on Sept 1 announced by Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) which saw rice prices soar in the market.

Akmal who is the Melaka Rural Development, Agriculture and Security Exco hoped that his suggestion would be implemented throughout the nation to ensure public welfare.

"However, if this is not possible, I ask for the decision to be made for Melaka.

"We must assure the people first before outsiders, they can purchase imported rice,” he said.