Kota Kinabalu: The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) has urged the Federal government to restore Sabah’s right to import and export of rice.
Its President, Tan Sri T.C Goh said it is necessary in order to ensure sufficient rice supply for Sabah, besides stabilising its price.
He, thus, proposed the newly-appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, to include the said call in the memorandum for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 that concerned Sabah and Sarawak, which is currently being prepared, and to be submitted to the Federal government, when it’s ready.
Goh, who is also an Advisor in the Sabah Economic Advisory Council (SEAC), asserted that the supply of rice in Sabah should not be monopolised by any private companies; the state government should have the right and full authority on the import and
export of rice.
He expressed his full support to Vice President of Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Japiril Suhaimin, for calling for restoration of Sabah’s right to import and export rice, which it once had back in 1982.
Goh also called on the State government to seriously consider reviving the Sabah Padi Board (Lembaga Padi Sabah) which was closed down in 1981, to better facilitate production and supply of rice in the state, once the right to import and export rice is restored.
He added that the revival of the Board which was established in 1965 but closed down in 1981 would give life to padi farmers in the state, and boost rice production in the long run.
Goh who is also President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) reiterated that, the Federal government should seriously review its existing policies, to ensure that essential consumer goods like rice, which is a staple food for Malaysians, are not monopolised by any private companies or individuals.
He underscored that the government should strive to keep the market open and competitive, in order to benefit the people.
“Such a policy is especially crucial and relevant when the nation is struggling with high inflation. An open policy is definitely helpful towards stabilising the prices of goods, and slowing inflation,” he said.
He further noted that, currently Sabah’s rice production rate is way below target, with self-sufficiency ratio of only 23 per cent, which is much lower than the national self-sufficiency ratio of 63 per cent. Hence, Sabah has to rely on rice imports from Peninsular Malaysia and overseas to meet its demand.
He thus hoped both the Federal government and the state government could work closely to boost rice production for Sabah.
“Sabah should fully utilise its large tracts of fertile lands which are currently left idle, by encouraging those individuals and companies which are keen and capable, to come forward to assist the state government in boosting rice production, food security and the state economy, as a whole,” he said.
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