Serdang – In a move aimed at stabilizing the supply of local white rice and easing consumer concerns, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has increased the maximum purchase limit of locally-produced white rice (BPT) to five 10-kilogram sacks per transaction. This policy change, effective today, represents a significant shift from the previous limit of only two sacks per purchase.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mohamad Sabu, made the announcement during the Aidilfitri Meet-and-Greet event at the Malaysian Agriculture Exposition Park (MAEPS) in Serdang. He highlighted that this new limit allows consumers greater flexibility while ensuring that rice supply remains available and affordable to all Malaysians.
“Previously, we had set the limit to only two sacks per transaction, but starting today, consumers can purchase up to five sacks of BPT in a single transaction,” Mohamad explained. “This decision comes as a response to the stabilization of the local rice supply, which is now more consistent due to various intervention measures we have taken in the past few months.”
The minister further noted that, as of mid-April, a total of 3.16 million 10-kilogram bags of rice had been distributed through over 47,000 registered retail outlets nationwide. States like Selangor, Kedah, Perak, and Johor recorded the highest distribution numbers.
This policy adjustment is seen as a crucial step in ensuring food security for the nation, especially during the festive season when consumer demand tends to rise. The government’s efforts to stabilize the supply of BPT have been critical in mitigating shortages and preventing price hikes that could disproportionately affect lower-income households.
“Ensuring the availability of rice for the people remains a top priority for the ministry,” Mohamad reiterated. “The increased limit is part of our ongoing efforts to guarantee the consistent supply of rice for the Malaysian public.”
This policy shift reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining food security and addresses the growing concerns of consumers who have faced challenges in securing essential staples in recent months. With the local rice supply now more stable, the new measures aim to further reassure the public and streamline the purchasing process during peak demand periods. -MalayaDailyToday
