THE purchase limit for 10-kilogramme local white rice priced at RM26 has been increased from two to five bags per transaction in response to growing demand, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced today.
He said the adjustment aims to better serve target groups, particularly low-income households, while ensuring stable rice supply across the country.
“As of mid-April, a total of 3.16 million 10kg bags of local white rice have been distributed through over 47,000 registered retail outlets nationwide,” Bernama cited Mohamad Sabu saying during the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry’s (KPKM) Monthly Assembly and Aidilfitri Gathering at Maeps, Serdang.
He noted that states such as Selangor, Kedah, Perak and Johor recorded the highest levels of distribution. “This initiative is among the ministry’s key efforts to consistently safeguard the nation’s rice supply,” he added.
Mohamad also shared that the Cabinet has praised KPKM’s successful price control measures during the recent festive seasons, calling them among the most effective to date.
“The market remained stable throughout Ramadan and leading up to Syawal, with prices of essential items such as chicken, eggs, vegetables, fish and meat staying under control and affordable, without any surge that could burden consumers,” he said.
He highlighted the success of the Semarak Syawal 2025 Programme, which ran from March 22 to 30, generating RM21.43 million in sales—surpassing the initial RM20 million target.
The nationwide programme, held at 262 locations including farmers’ markets and Rural Transformation Centres, involved 9,005 local agro-food entrepreneurs. Mohamad said it provided consumers with affordable festive essentials while boosting farmers’ income ahead of Aidilfitri.
However, he expressed concern about food waste during festive periods, citing Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) data estimating that 90,000 tonnes of food were discarded during Ramadan alone.
“This phenomenon not only reflects a wastage of resources but also caused significant losses from economic, ethical and environmental sustainability perspectives,” he warned. - April 28, 2025
