Melaka: Melaka managed to produce 50 tonnes of rice during the first harvest season, the Melaka State Legislative Assembly sitting was told today. State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh announced that of the total, 5,000 bags of rice, each weighing 10-kilogramme and priced at RM26, were initially sold specifically to Malaysians.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative aimed to ensure that only Malaysians, particularly those in Melaka, benefited from the special rice variety produced from the MR 297 paddy seed. To prevent any distribution beyond the intended recipients, Beras Melaka was initially sold exclusively through agencies like the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) of Melaka. These sales took place at farmers’ markets and Agro Bazaars managed by FAMA, deliberately avoiding supermarket distribution during the first season.

In response to a query from Leng Chau Yen (PH-Banda Hilir) regarding ‘Projek Benih Padi Melaka,’ Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh noted that more Beras Melaka would be sold in the upcoming second season to meet public demand. He further emphasized that despite its affordability, Beras Melaka possesses unique qualities, including a more fragrant aroma and a less starchy texture.