Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) to expedite efforts to restore the supply of local white rice (BPT) in the market. The Prime Minister’s senior press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, stated that Anwar also directed KPKM to provide regular updates to the public on the progress of the BPT supply recovery.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tunku Nashrul mentioned, “Insya Allah, the supply recovery is being carried out in phases,” during the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Daily Briefing, which was broadcast live on the Facebook pages of Anwar Ibrahim and PMO Malaysia today.

Last Saturday, KPKM released a statement highlighting that the Integrated Special Task Force on BPT Operations found the shortage of BPT supply was due to structural issues related to padi purchase prices, rice production costs, and the BPT price ceiling. Additionally, the ministry pointed out that the shortage was also attributed to the absence of specific provisions prohibiting rice mixing under the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522).