AN MCA leader has called for Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali to provide an immediate clarification on the Malaysia Madani white rice plan to overcome any confusion over the issue.
MCA Consumer Affairs Bureau chairman Tan Kok Eng said this in response to Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Faisal’s announcement on Wednesday (Feb 14) that the Malaysia Madani white rice is expected to be available in the market from March 1.
Syed Abu Hussin is the chairman of the task force (food cluster) under the National Action Council for Cost of Living (NACCOL).
“It is understood that this is not a new type of rice but rebranded local white rice (SST) and imported white rice (SSI) priced at RM30 for a 10kg sack, as opposed to the present RM26 for the SST rice of the same quantity,” Tan said in a statement on Friday (Feb 16).
“Datuk Armizan therefore needs to respond to public perception, including doubts raised by Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin, the president of the Bumiputera Retailers Organisation who is reported to have said that retailers and wholesalers were in the dark and not consulted on the matter.”
Tan said in particular, Armizan needs to explain why the Malaysia Madani white rice is priced higher and how the market mechanism works, including in terms of supply, import and marketing.
“Most essentially, what is the justification for the introduction of this rice? How does the government intend to ensure transparency in its implementation, as well as no increases to the rakyat’s cost of living?” Tan questioned.
On Thursday (Feb 15) Ameer expressed concern over the government’s move to abolish the two rice categories and replace it with the new “Malaysia Madani white rice” category nationwide, calling the reason behind such a move “unclear”.
Speaking to FMT, the Mydin hypermarket managing director further urged the government to explain the decision to abolish both categories.
“It’s impossible for the government to eliminate SSI because it’s imported rice. What will happen to SSI?” he was quoted as saying to the news portal.
“It’s impossible to lower the price of SSI from RM40 per 10kg to RM30. This will lead to a shortage in the market. The industry needs an explanation.”
Cabinet approval
In related news, Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali said the new white rice plan will need prior Cabinet approval, adding that the price of local white rice, as a controlled food item, must be approved by the Cabinet before any decision can be announced.
He said that as of now, it remains a private initiative from Syed Abu Hussin, which he said has not gone through “due process”.
“There has been no discussion or approval from the ministry with regard to this. As far as the ministry is concerned, this is a private initiative by Syed Abu Hussin as the task force chairman, in trying to lower prices.
“However, to implement it nationwide, it will need clearance from NACCOL and then the Cabinet,” said Lokman, adding that announcements such as these need prior engagement with stakeholders and the authorities concerned. – Feb 16, 2024
Main pic credit: Majoriti
