Twenty-four million 10kg bags of subsidised local white rice, priced at RM26 each, will be available across Peninsular Malaysia starting tomorrow, benefiting 400,000 low-income families. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: The government has been urged to clarify the distribution mechanism for subsidised local white rice (BPT) to retailers, particularly in terms of the quotas they will receive.
Mydin’s managing director, Ameer Ali Mydin, said a clear framework could help prevent confusion among retailers and the public when the sale of subsidised BPT begins tomorrow.
“As of now, there is no mechanism on whether to use an identification card or any other method,” he told FMT.
“It would be best for the government to make a clear announcement, especially for the recipients. They are confused because they do not know if they are eligible to buy the subsidised BPT.”
On Tuesday, rice and padi regulatory division director-general Badrul Hisham Mohd said that 24 million 10kg bags priced at RM26 each would be in markets across Peninsular Malaysia starting March 1.
Each bag will be tagged and monitored through a two-layer control system, involving the Malaysian Agri-Food Regulatory and Enforcement Agency and 1,200 enforcement officers, with AI-powered tracking to ensure compliance, he said.
The initiative aims to benefit 400,000 low-income families.
Ameer, who also serves as an adviser to the Bumiputera Retailers Association, suggested that the government utilise data from the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah as a distribution mechanism to ensure that the rice reaches the intended recipients.
He also called for better engagement with retailers before implementation.
“This would allow us to give feedback. We are concerned that once sales begin, the rice may not be available at supermarkets like Mydin, leading to claims that we are hoarding rice or selling it to foreigners.
“The government has good intentions in launching initiatives to help the people, but there is not enough consultation (before implementation),” he added.
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