AGRICULTURE and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has distanced himself from the “Madani white rice” saga saying the government has not made any decision on introducing this rice category for consumers.He clarified that a recent statement by the National Action Council on Cost of Living’s (Naccol) food prices committee chairman Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal on the issue was “just his suggestion”.“At this point of time, there has been no decision on his (Syed Hussin) suggestion to create only one category of white rice called ‘Madani white rice’,” he said in a statement.“The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry also agrees with the prime minister’s comment that the matter will be discussed at Naccol’s meeting next week,” added Mohammad.On Wednesday (Feb 14), Syed Hussin announced that the government will introduce “Madani white rice” priced at RM30 for a 10kg sack from March 1 and that it will be the sole category of white rice in the country, replacing the local white rice and imported white rice categories.The proposed increase in the price of ‘white rice’ from RM26 to RM30 per 10kg sparked controversy, as it signifies a 15% rise for consumers.Syed Hussin further added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had approved the introduction of the “Madani white rice” category.However, Mohamad is now saying nothing has been finalised on the issue, while Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the matter is still being addressed despite Anwar’s approval for the introduction of the product.However, Mohamad added that any announcement will only be made by the Cabinet and will be subject to the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522).Yesterday (Feb 16), Anwar said price control on rice will be one of the main topics on the agenda of the Naccol meeting which he will be chairing. – Feb 17, 2024
