KUALA LUMPUR – The Kedah government should not politicise rice supply and pricing with its proposed “Beras Kedah” as it is unrealistic, said Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd (Mydin) managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin.
Ameer told Scoop that such proposals could not be implemented as the supply of local rice, which has a ceiling price of RM26 per 10kg bag, is currently insufficient to meet demand.
“We do not have enough supply of local rice at the moment, which is sold at RM26 (per 10kg bag). Why are we trying to politicise (this matter) and say that it can be sold at a lower price when, in reality, there is no stock?
“It is not possible, as the cost structure does not work. People could end up driving long distances to get cheaper rice. It is not practical.”
With the “rationale” that Kedah is the nation’s “rice bowl”, Ameer warned that other states may use that to push out other basic necessities.
“We are also ‘One Malaysia’, we cannot say that Kedah should have rice at a cheaper price because it is the main producer, unless there is a logistical reason.
“Tomorrow, Pahang may want cheaper vegetables, or Sabah and Sarawak will want cheaper petrol, as the raw materials come from the respective states,” he said.
On Saturday, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the state government was mulling the introduction of “Beras Kedah”, an initiative aimed to have local rice sold at a cheaper price to Kedahans, as the state supplies over 40% of the national stock.
Instead, Ameer urged the focus on improving the economy, as well as boosting the availability of rice at a competitive price, as Ramadan and Aidilfitri are around the corner.
He also suggested the Kedah government improve its harvesting processes and irrigation systems for increased productivity, which would, in turn, lead to price reductions.
“We have other challenges, our harvests are not as efficient as India, Vietnam, or Thailand. They can (produce rice) four to five times a year.
“Our irrigation systems are not very good. We have insufficient water during droughts, and too much during flood seasons. These are the things the Kedah state government should focus on,” he said. – February 19, 2024