PUTRAJAYA – The freezing of applications for permits to transfer rice to other states, which came into effect on June 20, is a temporary intervention to ensure that rice supply in local markets remains stable.
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry said today that licensed rice distributors who need to sell rice in another state could submit an application to the state Padi and Rice Supervisory Office for consideration and approval by its director-general on a case-by-case basis.
The directive only involves licensed rice distributors and farmers can still sell their harvest at any factory, including in other states.
The ministry said that farmers would only need a rice transfer permit from the relevant state Padi and Rice Supervisory Office if they want to sell rice to factories abroad, adding that engagement sessions would be held with interested parties for clarification to ensure that the local rice supply remains stable at controlled prices. – Bernama, June 24, 2023
