GEORGE TOWN, September 9 – A recent survey conducted by the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) on Penang Island has revealed a serious shortage of local rice in the market. Supermarket shelves were also found to be devoid of this staple. There are allegations that certain traders are hoarding local rice and selling it at inflated prices, reaching up to RM30 per 10kg, to foreign buyers, while the government-set price remains at RM26.00.
This situation highlights Malaysia’s vulnerability to food insecurity, a problem that has been growing for decades in the pursuit of ‘development’. In the 1970s, domestic rice production could meet 75 percent of the country’s demand. However, in recent years, it has only managed to cover between 60 to 65 percent of the local rice demand. CAP believes that with appropriate government intervention, attempts by vested interests to manipulate the market can be thwarted. If regulatory oversight is lacking, unscrupulous elements will exploit the situation to maximize their profits.
Therefore, it is imperative that the authorities remain vigilant and take action against those attempting to manipulate the market for personal gain. Reports indicate a 30 percent decrease in the quantity of locally-produced rice purchased at factories over the past decade, while the importation of rice is on the rise. This trend is concerning as it indicates an increasing reliance on imported rice. CAP has called on the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia to address the local rice shortage urgently.
