Global Rice News

KUALA LUMPUR: In a bid to stabilize rice prices and ensure an adequate supply of local white rice, the National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) has proposed to become an alternative rice importer and producer. This proposal will be presented at the upcoming meeting of the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL), according to Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, the chairman of NACCOL’s Task Force on Food Cluster.

NAFAS is willing to step in as an alternative rice importer if Bernas (Padiberas Nasional Berhad), the current importer, is not able to procure competitively priced rice to meet local demands. By being involved in every stage of the rice production process, from land preparation to distribution, NAFAS aims to assist the government in countering the influence of cartels and selling rice at reasonable and stable prices.

“With the capacity and existing facilities such as mills, purchasing centers, and wholesale licenses, NAFAS, through farmers at the district and state levels, can effectively contribute to the rice industry,” stated Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz during a press conference at the Parliament Building.

The involvement of NAFAS is crucial in tackling the activities of cartels, which have manipulated prices and contributed to rising living costs. While there are still exporters from India, Pakistan, Cambodia, and Vietnam in the open market offering competitive prices, NAFAS’s participation will help in combating cartels’ influence.

Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz, who also serves as the MP for Bukit Gantang, further highlighted that the issue of white rice shortages and price hikes caused by a local cartel would be discussed during the NACCOL meeting. Firm actions will be taken against these companies to address this matter.

For more information on rice exporters, distributors, and suppliers, visit [here](https://www.hasrice.com).

**Source:** [The Sun](https://thesun.my)