The government guarantees that rice supplies will be sufficient, prices will remain low
Updated: Jun 21
By Nur Amira Mohd Hedzer (BH Online) - May 16, 2023 @ 3:01pm
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will continue to play a role in ensuring that the country's supply of rice is always sufficient, in addition to keeping the selling price of rice low.
Chief Steering Committee for Selia Paddy and Rice, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Azman Mahmood, said the selling price of rice in Malaysia is still lower at RM2.60 a kilogram compared to most other countries in Southeast Asia.
He said, compared to other countries, the price of national rice was much lower than Singapore at RM6.70 one kilogram, Brunei (RM5.80 one kilogram), Thailand (RM3.60 one kilogram), Vietnam (RM3.50 one kilogram) and Laos. (RM5.03 one kilogram).
Apart from that, he said, the country has also never faced a crisis of shortage of rice supplies even though it was dealing with the COVID-19 crisis a few years ago.
"Selia Padi and Rice Guard Officials play an important role in ensuring that rice is always available in the country at the cheapest prices in overseas markets.
"In fact, the kingdom has never raised the price of rice on the market even though the cost of other goods has increased," he said after the ceremony celebrating the 30th anniversary of the JATI rice brand here, today.
Commenting further, Azman said, the role played by participants in the state rice industry has also helped the industry to remain competitive, including rice fields.
He said, for example, JATI brand rice issued by Serba Wangi Sdn Bhd, produced 1.6 million metric tons of rice, while helping 240,000 rice fields throughout the country.
"Malaysia uses as much as 2.4 million metric tons a year where an adult needs as much as 79 kilograms of rice a year," he said.
Meanwhile, General Manager of All Wangi, Chua Ken Jin, said that after three decades in the market, JATI has now proven its authority over the industry.
He said, apart from rice, the company has also turned to a variety of goods including producing flour, vermicelli and grain drinks which are proof of the company's dedication to providing the best service to customers.
"The company hopes to become a global brand with a variety of other products to meet the needs of people at all levels," he said.
Ken Jin said, in conjunction with this 30th anniversary, JATI has managed to establish a new glory by forging a name in the Malaysia Book of Records.
He said, JATI succeeded in producing the heaviest jug of rice in Malaysia weighing three tonnes at a time, overcoming the previous record of 1,501 tonnes.
"The three tons of rice were then donated to groups in need, such as orphanages and care centers for senior citizens.
"This success is a very proud honor and recognition for JATI," he said.