ALOR STAR: The Kedah Rice Traders Association will not be able to sell the imported white rice at the ceiling price set under the Malaysia Madani white rice initiative as its commodity is influenced by the international market movement and currency fluctuations.
Its chairman Tan Swee Huat said the traders will not be able to sell imported white rice at the price of RM30 for 10kg packaging under the Madani rice as announced by the government.
"The cost of imported white rice is so expensive and wholesalers have to undergo the process of filtering, packaging, transportation, labour, accounting and other costs, the traders will not be able to sell the imported rice to the market at RM30 for 10kg packaging, they will not be able to continue operating.
"Based on this situation, the white rice wholesalers will not be able to sell the imported white rice under the Malaysia Madani white rice," he said in a statement today.
Tan added that since there are about 40 per cent shortage of the staple food in the domestic market, the move will lead to a further supply shortage.
"The acute shortage of imported white rice in the market might trigger panic buying in the market.
"Therefore, it is recommended that the price of imported white rice to be allowed to remain afloat to ensure sufficient supply to meet the market demand," he said.
Tan also urged the government hold a discussion with the industry players to understand their concern before fully implementing the plan.
The association was commenting on the National Action Council for Cost of Living (NACCOL) chairman Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Faisal announcement on Wednesday that the government will introduce the Malaysia Madani white rice priced at RM30 for a 10 kg sack on Feb 19.
He had also announced that the price for a 5kg sack of Malaysia Madani white rice is set at RM15.50 while a 1kg bag of rice is priced at RM3.50.
He said the Malaysia Madani white rice is expected to be available in the market starting from March 1.
Syed Hussin was reported as saying that following the move, there will no longer be local white rice (SST) and imported white rice (SSI) categories, adding that the Malaysia Madani white rice will be the sole category.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his confidence that price of rice can be reduced after several detailed proposals by NACCOL to be tabled in a meeting next week.