Latest news with #PARITBUNTAR
The Star
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Govt eyes alternative rice supply
PARIT BUNTAR: The government has not ruled out the possibility of increasing rice imports from several regional countries following the ongoing conflict involving India and Pakistan, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu ( pic ). The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said the turmoil in both countries is expected to affect Malaysia's rice import supply. 'Yes (import supply could be affected), because these two countries export about 38% of rice to Malaysia. I hope and am confident that both sides do not want war. 'However, we will cooperate with countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia to ensure sufficient rice supply in the country,' he told a press conference after the official opening of the Perak Farmers' Organisation's Certified Padi Seed Production Centre here yesterday, Bernama reported. Earlier, the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah graced and officiated the event. The Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim and the Raja Di Hilir of Perak Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah also attended the event. According to international news reports, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following a violent attack in Kashmir, India, on April 22, which resulted in 26 fatalities. In another development, Mohamad was confident that there would be no panic buying of chicken eggs, citing adequate supply through ongoing government initiatives such as the 'Jualan Rahmah' and 'Jualan Agro' programmes. Industry reform: Sultan Nazrin (second from left) alongside Tuanku Zara (third from left) attending the official opening of the Perak Farmers' Organisation's Certified Padi Seed Production Centre. — Bernama He said that predictions about egg prices rising by up to three sen per egg after the full removal of government subsidies on Aug 1 are purely speculative. 'It's just a projection. Similar concerns have arisen in the past, such as when chicken prices fluctuated, but they ultimately remained stable. 'With global feed costs like soy and grain corn on a downward trend, we hope egg prices will also remain steady,' he said. The Federation of Livestock Farmers' Associations of Malaysia was quoted as saying that egg prices could increase if production costs remain at the current rate of 38sen per egg after the subsidy removal. On another matter, Mohamad Sabu said the Certified Padi Seed Production Centre of the Perak Farmers' Organisation is expected to produce about 250,000 bags of certified padi seeds annually, with a total production capacity of 5,000 tonnes. He said the centre would benefit 16,000 padi farmers across Perak and serve as a reference point for quality-certified padi seeds that meet the needs of the farming community. 'I believe that with the setting up of this production centre, development in this district will follow. 'Economic and social development are among the benefits that will be enjoyed by the community, either directly or indirectly,' he said. Mohamad said three other centres for producing certified padi seeds have been set up in Penang, Selangor and Kedah to complete the value chain of the padi industry. He said the ministry is focusing on two main agendas: reforming the national padi and rice industry and increasing ruminant productivity, particularly in the production of beef and buffalo meat. 'The reform of the padi and rice industry is not only aimed at supply self-sufficiency but also at elevating the industry to a higher level and increasing the income of our padi farmers,' he added.
The Star
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Govt eyeing regional rice sources amid India-Pakistan tensions
PARIT BUNTAR: The government has not ruled out the possibility of increasing rice imports from other countries in the region following the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (pic) said the issue is expected to affect Malaysia's imported rice supply. "Yes (supply could be affected), because these two countries (account for) about 38% (of our imported rice). I hope and am confident that both sides do not want war. "However, we will work with countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia to ensure sufficient rice supply in the country,' he told a press conference after the opening of the Perak Farmers Organisation's Certified Padi Seed Production Centre here on Tuesday (May 6). Earlier, Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah graced and officiated the ceremony. Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked following a terror attack in Kashmir on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. In another development, Mohamad was confident that there would be no panic buying of chicken eggs, citing sufficient supply through ongoing government initiatives such as the Rahmah Sales and Agro Sales programmes. On predictions that egg prices may rise by up to 3 sen per egg following the full removal of government subsidies on Aug 1, he called it speculation. "It's just a projection. We've seen similar concerns before, such as when chicken prices were floated, but they remained stable. "With global feed costs like soy and grain corn on a downward trend, we hope egg prices will also remain steady,' he said. The Federation of Livestock Farmers' Associations of Malaysia was quoted in a news report Tuesday as saying that egg prices could increase if production costs remain at the current rate of 38 sen per egg after the subsidy removal. – Bernama
New Straits Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
India-Pakistan conflict may affect rice supply to Malaysia
PARIT BUNTAR: The armed conflict between India and Pakistan, two major rice-exporting countries, could affect the supply of this staple food to Malaysia. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said both countries currently supply nearly 30 per cent of Malaysia's rice needs, including white rice and Basmathi. "Their political and economic stability is crucial for food security in Malaysia. If a war or tensions occur that affect port operations or delivery infrastructure, rice imports to our country could be disrupted. "Right now, the supply is still stable, but we cannot be complacent," he said after officiating at a certified paddy seed development project here today. Mohamad said Malaysia relies on India and Pakistan for about 38 per cent of its imported rice, with India supplying white rice and Pakistan providing Basmathi. "Combined, the total is around 38 per cent, and if the situation in that region escalates, it will certainly have a direct impact on us, particularly in terms of prices and supply continuity." He added that two years ago, a drought in India resulted in the country restricting white rice exports, which caused a price increase in the local market. "This proves how vulnerable our market is to external factors. That is why food security is so important and must be prioritised." He added that the government is strengthening ties with other exporting countries, such as Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia, as part of long-term preparation. "We've begun negotiations and have encouraged local private companies to explore investment opportunities, such as building rice mills in Cambodia, as that country has a rice surplus and welcomes cooperation," he said. Yesterday, United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres said tensions between India and Pakistan were at their highest in years. Both neighbouring countries have placed their armed forces on alert after trading accusations over a recent terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
