The Kedah Consumers Association (CAKE) has objected to the continuation of the local white rice (BPT) subsidy because it believes the measure only benefits manufacturers and wholesalers.
CAKE president Mohamad Yusrizal Yusoff stated that many consumers have complained about the quality of BPT which is allegedly unsatisfactory because it quickly spoils, becomes mushy even when using the minimum amount of water and is sprayed with rice fragrance.
According to him, the subsidy amounting to RM150 million for a six-month period is allegedly not being fully utilized by consumers because data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) shows that only 40% of BPT has been sold, while the rest has not been received.
Mohamad Yusrizal said the problem needs to be resolved and the KPKM should review the implementation of the subsidy.
He also added that if the subsidy is continued, the government should channel it directly to the rice farmers to cover their agricultural input costs.
Head of the Food Cluster of the Cost of Living Action Council (NACCOL), Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal said the government had set a six-month period starting March 1 until yesterday to sell 24 million subsidized 10-kilogram BPT kampits in stages.
