KUALA LUMPUR – Billionaire philanthropist Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary is a hero for retaining rice prices, said Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang-PN).
When debating the budget for the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry at the committee stage, the Bersatu lawmaker said the price for rice set by the government did not increase, despite Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) monopolising the industry.
“We often hear Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim saying Syed Mokhtar has monopolised the rice industry, but I say he is a hero because the prices remain stable,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.
“There has not been a problem, and the people have not complained. Therefore, he is a hero,” he added.
Syed Abu Hussin said this as he pointed the finger at the government for “failing” to provide a solution for rising chicken prices, adding that Syed Mokhtar could lend a hand on the matter.
“Why can’t the government solve (the issue of) chicken prices? The supply and demand theory has been laid out.
“I suggest we check the supply chain and see where the issue arose from,” he said.
“If the ministry cannot provide solutions, then at least tell us the problems so we can suggest ways to solve this.
“You can eat chickens after 40 days of rearing them. The Madani government has been operating for four months and still cannot solve the issue,” he quipped.
In January, Anwar said Syed Mokhtar, who is the main shareholder of Bernas, agreed to disburse a total of RM60 million in aid for farmers nationwide.
RM10 million will be distributed by the end of this year to farmers in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang.
The remaining RM50 million is expected to be distributed to farmers in other states next year. – The Vibes, March 15, 2023
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