Kota Kinabalu: A Parti Warisan leader called for action against the price hike for imported rice across Malaysia.
Warisan Kota Kinabalu Division Information Chief Samuel Wong said Bernas’ recent announcement raised concerns among Sabahans.
“While Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin may downplay the situation, these price hikes will only place more burden on the people.
“It will also set off a chain reaction leading to higher prices of cooked food,” he said in a statement.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more Wong said Chan’s assurance on the price of local rice not rising does not hold much weight in Sabah.
“Imported rice accounts for at least 75pc of consumption in the State, while local production is 25pc.
“Abandonment of numerous paddy fields throughout Sabah is evident due to a lack of concrete government plans,” he said.
Wong suggested the GRS State Government formulate a clear master plan for food security, emphasising the need to reduce reliance on foreign rice imports and the monopoly of companies like Bernas.
“Sabah is blessed with abundant land and rich water resources, combined with its favourable climate, which offer significant potential for agricultural development.
“It is illogical that we depend so much on imported food when we have vast lands. Sabah should produce more agricultural products in terms of upstream and downstream products, such as fruits, livestock farming and aquaculture.
“Sabah should be a major agricultural exporter in the region. We should be the one exporting our local products internationally rather than importing,” he said.
Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) last Friday announced they would be selling white rice at RM3,200 per tonne from RM2,350 per tonne, which is a 36pc increase, effective immediately.
Despite this, Bernas claimed Malaysia’s import prices remain the lowest among Southeast Asian countries.
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