Agriculture ministry to propose use of subsidised imported rice at govt premises

The agriculture and food security ministry will propose the use of subsidised imported rice at government premises such as hospitals, police training centres, military camps and school hostels, to allow more local rice in the market.

Minister Mohamad Sabu said he would discuss the matter with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the finance minister, on Monday.

He said the move was expected to allow a higher availability of local rice in the market.

"The government premises will buy imported rice at a (subsidised) price that is not high, maybe between RM32 and RM35 per bag," he said after a talk in Simpang Pelangai, Bentong last night.

Mohamad said India is expected to decide whether to continue allowing exports of white rice to Malaysia next week.