News in brief: Malaysia has imposed purchase limits on white rice due to recent excessive buying, with a maximum of 10 bags per person to address shortages and price hikes. This temporary restriction applies to local white rice but not to imported rice or other food items, and violators may face fines of up to RM10,000 (US$2,200).
The Malaysian government has begun implementing purchase limits on the sale of white rice in the country, according to a local news source. It restricts purchase to a maximum of 10 bags of 10kg local white rice, amounting to a total of 100kg per person.
The restriction is in response to ‘excessive’ buying of white rice in recent weeks, which has led to shortages and price hikes. Malaysiaâs director-general of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry’s Agricultural Industry Development, Azman Mahmood, said the measure is necessary to ensure access to affordable rice for everyone.
He said government was aware about concerns over the rising prices of rice but maintained that there was enough supply to meet demand. Also, he added that the restrictions were only temporary and will be discontinued if the situation improves.
The purchase limit applies to all types of local white rice like premium, medium, and low-grade rice. It however does not apply to imported rice or other types of food.
Additionally, the restriction is being enforced by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs and violators will be fined up to RM10,000 (US$2,200).
The government has taken other measures to ensure the availability of affordable rice, such as increasing imports and releasing rice from strategic reserves. The purchase limit is expected to be lifted in the coming weeks.
