KUALA LUMPUR: Fairness to all stakeholders, including farmers, producers, traders and consumers must be ensured in any proposal relating to the increase in the ceiling price of local white rice.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said despite the increase in other costs and wages, the current price of local white rice at RM26 per 10kg remained unchanged since 2008.
"This is why we need to ensure fairness for everyone, including farmers, consumers, producers and so on.
"(And) if there are changes to be made, comprehensive discussions should be held with the Finance Ministry as well as the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry so that an effective solution can be shared with all parties, including the government and opposition parties," he said during minister's question time in Dewan Rakyat, today.
Mohamad said this in response to Nurul Amin Hamid (PN-Padang Terap) on whether the government is ready to increase the ceiling price of local white rice.
At the same time, he added that the proposal, if approved, must also be discussed comprehensively with the Economy Ministry to identify the impact towards the people.
"Of course, consultations have been held with the Finance Ministry and discussions have also been made during the National Food Security Policy meeting chaired by the prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim).
"This is so that the ministry can get all feedback, including from members of parliament from the rice growing areas."
On Sept 28, the ministry rejected the suggestion put forth by Mydin Hypermarket managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin for the price of local white rice to be increased from RM26 to RM34 per 10kg.
The ministry said the retail price for the local white rice will stay at RM2.60 per kg, as stipulated under the Price Act (Grade and Price Control) Order (Amendment No.4) 2008 and the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522).
The ministry also said its decision to sell imported white rice at wholesale at RM160 for 50kg to associations, restaurants, food entrepreneurs and hawkers was to assist them in controlling their operating costs and to ensure the price of rice sold is not increased.
