PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) to expedite efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing shortage of local white rice (BPT) in the local market.
Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, the Prime Minister’s senior press secretary, conveyed the Prime Minister’s instructions, stating that KPKM must provide frequent updates to the public regarding the progress of the recovery efforts.
“Insya Allah, the supply recovery is being carried out in phases,” Tunku Nashrul shared during the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Daily Briefing, which was broadcast live on the official Facebook pages of Anwar Ibrahim and PMO Malaysia.
The shortage of BPT rice has been a significant concern in recent weeks.
Last Saturday, KPKM revealed that the Integrated Special Task Force on BPT Operations had identified several contributing factors to the crisis.
Among the key reasons cited were structural issues concerning padi purchase prices, rising rice production costs, and the existing price ceiling for BPT rice.
Moreover, the ministry pointed out that the shortage was also exacerbated by a lack of provisions under the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522) that would specifically prohibit the mixing of rice varieties, further complicating the issue.
KPKM's ongoing efforts aim to address these structural challenges and ensure a more stable and sustainable supply of BPT rice in the market.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported that the Daily Briefing which began last Saturday does not overlap with the duties of MADANI Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil.
The Prime Minister's Senior Press Secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said the PM's Daily Briefing instead serves as a complement in strengthening the government's communication structure.
"The PMO Daily Briefing focuses more on the daily developments and work of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, his explanations on pressing current issues.
"It is also instructions to ministries and agencies to ensure that government policies are implemented in an orderly and effective manner," he said through the Prime Minister's Office Daily Briefing which was broadcast live on Anwar Ibrahim's Facebook and PMO Malaysia's Facebook today.
Meanwhile, Fahmi, who is also the Minister of Communications as the MADANI Government Spokesperson, is responsible for explaining issues and questions involving government policies, as well as decisions made in the Cabinet Meeting.
"The PMO Daily Briefing is not a replacement for the MADANI Government Spokesperson (Fahmi)," Bernama reported Tunku Nashrul saying.
The PMO Daily Briefing will be broadcast on Anwar Ibrahim's Facebook and PMO Malaysia's Facebook at 11 am and 5 pm according to the requirements conveyed by Tunku Nashrul.
On Jan 31, 2023, Fahmi confirmed his appointment as the spokesperson for the MADANI Government.
Tengku Nashrul added with a more comprehensive communication strategy, the government can ensure that the people receive accurate information in addition to cutting off slander and false information quickly and effectively. – March 3, 2025
