KUALA LUMPUR: Recent claims that the country’s rice stock can only last for two and a half months is not true, says Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (pix).
He assured that the current stock of rice, taking into account local production and imports was stable, regulated and consistent to meet domestic demand on a continuous basis.
According to Kiandee, the current stock of local rice at factories, wholesalers and retail outlets stood at 523,000 tonnes and that does not take into account stock of local rice production and imported rice which is in the country.
“For now, rice imports have not been affected and are going on as usual. Apart from Vietnam, rice is also imported from other producing countries such as Thailand, Pakistan, Myanmar, India, Cambodia and others.
“Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) has also been directed to ensure and enhance the supply of imported rice in the country,“ he said in a statement yesterday.
Ronald added that only 30 per cent of the total domestic demand depended on imports.
He said the ministry would also continue to ensure that the rice supply is sufficient to meet the country’s needs of 200,000 metric tonnes per month. — Bernama
