KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living deputy minister Fuziah Salleh said that the ministry will initiate an affordable rice programme to help ease the burden of the people hit by the price hike of the commodity.
She said that the programme will be known as 'Jualan Beras Rahmah', where rice will be sold at a discounted price.
"Wait for tomorrow, we will launch the Jualan Beras Rahmah where the people will get rice at a subsidised price by the government under the ministry.
Fuziah however added that the ministry will announce the mechanism related to the 'Jualan Beras Rahmah' programme later.
"Actually, in regards to the regulation of padi and rice, we all know it is under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
"Rice is a controlled item, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living ministry has no authority to control it, we have no power (to control) the price, but every day we hear the grievances of the people, some are also appealing. I also hear the voices of the members of parliament who represent the people.
"So, the ministry is trying to find a way how, within the scope of our jurisdiction, to solve the issues of the increase in the price of imported rice and the lack of local rice," she said during the winding up session of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) mid-term review in the Dewan Rakyat, today.