R Yuneswaran

LETTER | The adjustment of the paddy purchase floor price from RM1,300 to RM1,500 per metric tonne is a welcome one.

The measure, which will take effect on Feb 16, is an indication that the government is safeguarding the crucial role of rice farmers.

It is notable that this adjustment is the second in two years after the increase from RM1,200 to RM1,300 in 2023. Prior to that the previous adjustment was in 2014, showing that many previous leaders did not share a similar commitment to ensuring padi farmers can earn a better income.

What’s more, the government is not burdening the rakyat with this measure because it is allocating a subsidy of around RM150 million to paddy mills to maintain the maximum selling price of local white rice at RM2.60 per kilogramme.

I was also touched to learn that Bernas and Syed Mokhtar Albukhary have agreed to contribute RM30 million to help the government support poor paddy farmers.

Published Date: February 14, 2025