The MADANI government has not yet finalized a decision on the industry's proposal to increase the price of local white rice (BPT) from RM2.60 to RM3.60 per kilogram.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, announced that the ministry is currently conducting an impact assessment, including on the low-income group.
He also assured that any decision regarding BPT will be made by taking into account the interests of all parties including farmers, consumers and industry players.
Mohamad Sabu hopes that all efforts being implemented will receive support from all parties for the progress and sustainability of the country's paddy and rice industry, including national food security.
The ministry will also submit a proposed direction for the supply of white rice for the government's consideration by taking into account production costs, market prices, current trends, the legal framework and the impact on consumers to achieve balance in the industry.
The statement was made when he was answering a question from Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kasim (PN-Arau) regarding the objective of increasing the price of BPT and the proposed incentive of RM200 per month before the paddy harvest.
In addition, the government has implemented the provision of Special Cash Assistance (BKST) worth RM600 to paddy farmers in 2023 and 2024 as an initiative to ease the burden of living for this group.
The assistance program of RM200 per month for three months (one season) was implemented as a one-off by the ministry, but no allocation has been provided for the same purpose this year.
