Kuala kurau: The Perak government will request the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) to increase the rice supply quota for manufacturers, especially Bumiputera manufacturers, to meet current needs and to ensure the country’s food supply is secure.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun stated that the measure is important to ensure that both large and small manufacturers can collaborate in revitalising the rice industry and guaranteeing that its supply remains stable and sufficient. In Perak, for example, the manufacturer Yop Zainan Sdn Bhd, which has been operating for 54 years and is now managed by the third generation, currently has a quota of 300 tonnes per month. However, this is still insufficient even for the domestic market.
Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun plans to bring this matter to the attention of KPKM Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu during his series of visits to Perak next week. The goal is for eligible manufacturers in the state to be considered for an increased quota of up to 500 tonnes per month. This announcement was made during a visit to the Gudang Beras Yop Zainan in Kampung Masjid Batu, Kuala Kurau.
Mohd Zolkafly emphasized that this initiative aligns with the decree of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, who has expressed concern about ensuring food security. The Sultan emphasized that the aspect of food security should always be prioritized, not only focusing on Perak’s food supply but also considering export potential to other states. The Perak government is working under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan to strengthen food security through various initiatives.
Additionally, Mohd Zolkafly announced a proposal to elevate the local product, Beras Baiduri Cap Gajus produced by Yop Zainan Sdn Bhd, as an official rice product of Perak. This proposal will be brought to the state executive council (MMK) for discussion, and if agreed upon, it will be presented to Sultan Nazrin Shah for approval to be rebranded as ‘Beras Perak’. If the process is successful, there are plans to officially introduce it during the Perak Agrofest scheduled to take place from September 26 to 28.