The scarcity of locally produced rice in the market is not a trivial matter but rather a significant concern that warrants serious attention. Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, chairman of the Naccol food cluster task force, emphasized the gravity of the situation. Despite deploying enforcement teams to various locations across the Peninsula, including well-known supermarkets, no substantial findings regarding the availability of local rice were reported.
"This is a substantial issue. Through numerous inspections, including recent ones accompanied by video evidence, it's evident that local rice is not readily accessible in the market. Citizens are expressing dissatisfaction due to the shortage, and I am deeply concerned about the response from the relevant ministry," Syed Abu Hussin stated following an iftar session with the media.
These remarks were made in response to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's assertion that the shortage of local rice supplies is an isolated issue affecting only certain areas, not the entire country. Naccol pledged to assist the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry in monitoring the situation.
Syed Abu Hussin attributed the rice shortage problem to insufficient enforcement by relevant authorities. He alleged that locally grown rice, when sold by farmers, underwent changes during the manufacturing process, including packaging alterations from local to imported rice.
"Farmers claim they sell paddy to the government, but the fate of the local rice remains uncertain. Claims of packaging alterations can be substantiated by direct factory inspections to track the quantity of purchased paddy, milling activities, and the packaging process," he explained.
Despite accusations from some quarters that he is merely a channel for venting frustrations about the rice issue, Syed Abu Hussin remains resolute in his efforts to assist those affected by the rising cost of living. Additionally, discussions to establish a price ceiling for Madani white rice are scheduled for March 20, marking progress in addressing the ongoing rice supply challenges.
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