KUALA LUMPUR: The price of imported white rice will be reduced from RM3,000 to RM2,800 per metric tonne starting Dec 1, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
He said that Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) had agreed to lower the selling price of imported white rice at its warehouses in Peninsular Malaysia, following recent discussions with the ministry.
"The price reduction is in line with the decline in global rice market prices and the strengthening of the Malaysian ringgit against the US dollar."
"The government is optimistic that this initiative will ease the cost of living by making rice more accessible and affordable," he said in a statement today.
Mohamad also said that the ministry would continue working with all stakeholders to develop a long-term plan for a more sustainable rice production cost structure.
"This will ensure the continued growth of Malaysia's padi and rice industry, protect the welfare of farmers, and improve the country's Self-Sufficiency Level (SSR) in rice production."
He said that this decision reflected the government's commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its people while strengthening national food security.