PASIR MAS: The shortage of rice supply after the padi farming industry was affected by floods will be addressed by reducing the price of imported white rice, effective today. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu stated that the shortage was inevitable as padi farming has been the most severely affected sector by the floods, followed by vegetable farming, livestock, and fish farming.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad emphasized that the shortfall could be mitigated with imported rice, which is now available at a favorable price in the international market. He noted that the import price, which could have risen to RM3,200 and RM3,300 per tonne, is currently at RM2,800. This was revealed during his visit and briefing on the flood situation at the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) in Pasir Mas.

Mohamad assured that the price reduction would not negatively impact farmers, given that local rice productivity still accounts for about 56 percent of the market, with
the government aiming for 61 percent. He highlighted that the rice supply in Malaysia decreased by four percent when Kelantan faced long droughts during two previous padi planting seasons, and the current floods are expected to exacerbate the situation.

He further detailed that agricultural losses in Kelantan have reached RM16 million so far, with the figure likely to increase following a final assessment. This year, 4,800 hectares of agricultural land in Kelantan have been affected by floods. The ministry, through KADA and other agencies, will collect precise information to facilitate aid distribution to farmers, particularly padi farmers.

The minister outlined an initial compensation plan for padi farmers with their own schemes, offering payments ranging from RM1,000 to RM1,800 per hectare, depending on the crop’s age. While the assistance is at the existing rate, efforts will be made to increase allocations for those impacted if possible.

It was reported by the media that Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas)
has agreed to reduce the warehouse gate price of imported white rice in Peninsular Malaysia from RM3,000 per tonne to RM2,800 per tonne, effective today.