Lynelle Tham.

Putrajaya will use the funds to produce 24 million 10kg sacks of local white rice, with the price ceiling to remain at RM2.60 a kg.

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has approved a RM150 million allocation to ensure a sufficient supply of local white rice in the market, says agriculture and food security minister Mohamad Sabu.

Mohamad told the Dewan Rakyat that the funds would be used to stabilise the supply by producing 24 million 10kg sacks of local white rice.

“The ministry is currently finalising the implementation method, and an announcement will be made once it is confirmed in the near future,” he said in his ministerial statement.

To meet local demand, he said the price ceiling for local white rice will be maintained at RM2.60 per kg.

The price has remained unchanged since 2008, despite fluctuations in global rice prices, to keep rice affordable for Malaysians.

Mohamad also said the government would monitor developments over the next six months before deciding on its next course of action.

The issue of local white rice supply has been a growing concern, with various stakeholders urging the government to take decision measures to address it.

Published Date: February 13, 2025