World Courant
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has threatened authorized motion in opposition to anybody caught hoarding rice, as considerations over rising costs and provide shortages have led shoppers to fill up on native grains.
Malaysia, which imports about 38 p.c of its rice wants, is amongst nations feeling the influence of export restrictions imposed by main rice producers like India, resulting in panic shopping for by shoppers and better costs.
“If anybody dares to make the most of the truth that individuals are struggling to search out rice… you’re hoarding, we are going to discover you, cost you and take you to court docket,” Datuk Seri Anwar stated at a rally late on Monday.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Meals Security has been directed to step up enforcement and surveillance to curb hoarding, he stated.
The value of imported white rice in Malaysia has risen by greater than 30 p.c previously month, resulting in elevated demand for native rice, whose costs are capped by the federal government.
Malaysia on Monday introduced measures to cut back rice costs, together with a subsidy of RM950 (S$275) per tonne for imported milled rice within the states of Sabah and Sarawak from October 5.
All authorities contracts for rice procurement additionally embody the acquisition of imported milled rice as an alternative of the native selection, as a way of making certain adequate provide of the native grain available in the market.
Mr Anwar stated almost RM400 million in subsidies can be channeled to authorities services, akin to navy camps, police and faculty dormitories, for buying imported rice, which may enhance native rice provide by about 5 p.c. REUTERS
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar threatens motion in opposition to rice hoarders if costs rise
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