No local rice shortage in K'tan, buyers prefer smuggled Thai rice

Kelantan is seemingly unaffected by the shortage of local rice supply that is affecting the country.

This is not because there is adequate supply, but rather due to low demand - with the black market options reigning supreme. 

Checks by Malaysiakini at several supermarkets found that local rice still lined the shelves, unlike in the Klang Valley and other states.

“People buy local rice, but not as much. So the supply is always enough.

“It may be because Kelantanese prefer Thai rice,” said a supermarket employee who declined to be named.

The Thai rice the consumers look for, however, are not those that can be found in supermarkets either.

Instead, beras Siam, as the locals call it, generally refers to rice that has been smuggled through the Thai border and is easily obtainable at sundry shops even in rural villages. 

Local rice is usually in high demand due to the price being controlled at RM2.60 per kg, with a 5kg bag costing RM13.

In comparison, Thai rice sells for around RM20 to RM30 per 5kg bag, or RM4 to RM6 per kg.

Despite the price difference, a sundry shop owner who wished to only be known as Helmi, said he sells Thai rice exclusively.

“In the village, people don’t buy local rice. They only look for beras Siam. If I sold Malaysian rice, it would be hard to sell.

“People here only buy Malaysian rice if there is no other choice, like when the Thai rice is not in stock so they are forced to buy what is available.

“Thai rice is more expensive, but it’s probably preferred due to its better quality,” he told Malaysiakini when met in Kota Bharu.

Restaurant owner Suraini Mustapha, 48, said she too served Thai rice almost exclusively to give her customers good-quality meals.

“Thai rice plumps up more, is softer and tastier.

“Most mixed rice sellers in Kelantan will use Thai rice. It’s also easier to cook,” the owner of Su Tomyam in Kubang Kerian said.

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