KUALA LUMPUR: The government-to-government (G2G) talks over issues regarding the rice export restrictions imposed by India will see an outcome by this week.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said discussions have been held among represenatives from the Indian and Malaysian governments.
"In regard to the G2G talks with India, our prime minister had made a call to India's prime minister Narendra Modi.
"Due to the current situation faced by India including its elections and issues with Canada, their prime minister had advised for the talks to be made through their representatives.
"Following this, the Indian High Commissioner came to my office for discussion and that our requests will be answered by them this week.
"God willing, we will see a good result from it this week," Mohamad told a special conference for the implementation of intervention measures regarding the country's rice supply issues.
Among those present at the special press conference were Agriculture and Food Security Ministry Padi and Rice Industry Division director-general Datuk Azman Mahmood, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry enforcement deputy director-general, Shamsul Nizam Khalil.
Also present were the Department of Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) director-general, Shamsul Akbar Sulaiman and Bukit Aman Special Branch (E5) principal assistant director Senior Assistant Commissioner Datin Seri Zalena Mohd Ariffin.
Mohamad had earlier told the Dewan Rakyat on Sept 18 that negotiations will be made with the Indian government to find a suitable solution over the rice export restrictions made by India.
This, he said, will be one of the efforts to help alleviate the issue of local white rice shortages in the country.