THE recent decision by the government to abolish the local white rice (SST) and imported white rice (SSI) categories has sparked confusion and concern among stakeholders, with calls for clarification regarding the move.
Hypermarket chain Mydin managing director Datuk Dr Ameer Ali Mydin has questioned the rationale behind replacing the existing categories with a new “Malaysia Madani white rice” category nationwide.
“It’s impossible for the government to eliminate SSI because it’s imported rice. What will happen to SSI?
“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,” news portal Free Malaysia Today quoted him as saying.
The announcement regarding the introduction of Malaysia Madani white rice, priced at RM30 for a 10kg bag and expected to hit the market on March 1 was made by the national cost of living action council’s food prices committee chairman Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal.
“A 5kg bag of the Malaysia Madani white rice will be sold at RM15.50 each and a 1kg bag at RM3.50,” he added.
According to Syed Hussin, the new rice category aims to streamline the classification and pricing of white rice in the country.
However, Ameer sought further clarification on whether the sale of SST and SSI categories will be completely discontinued. He also raised concerns about whether the Malaysia Madani white rice will be equivalent to the current SST or SSI variants in terms of quality and pricing.
“The issue is whether the Malaysia Madani white rice to be sold is in fact the SST currently being sold at RM26 per 10kg bag or the SSI at RM40 per 10kg bag.”
Despite the uncertainties, he thanked the government for the announcement, believing the RM30 per 10kg price tag for the Malaysia Madani white rice to be “truly competitive”.
Meanwhile, Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (Cassa) president Dr Jacob George raised concerns about whether stakeholders were consulted prior to Putrajaya’s decision to abolish the SST and SSI categories.
He expressed a desire to hear directly from the government before forming any definitive opinions on the matter.
“Let’s wait and see if this announcement was made only in his (Syed Hussin’s) own interests or as a response to address the issue at its root.” – Feb 15, 2024
Main photo credit: FMT
