Paddy prices: PM assures win-win solution for farmers, consumers

Summary

• The government will announce a solution next week to balance the needs of both paddy farmers and consumers, ensuring that the floor price adjustment does not excessively burden either group.

• Anwar Ibrahim says among the efforts that will soon be finalised is an additional RM150m in subsidies to stabilise local rice prices and prevent undue cost increases for consumers.

• The PM criticises the opposition for failing to acknowledge the government's subsidy efforts, emphasising the need for fact-based discussions rather than misinformation.

PARLIAMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has assured that the government will find a fair solution that ensures justice for paddy farmers and consumers, particularly from the B40 group, over the price of rice.

Anwar said among the efforts that will soon be finalised is an additional RM150m in subsidies to stabilise local rice prices and prevent undue cost increases for consumers.

He told the Dewan Rakyat that the agriculture minister will present a ministerial paper to provide clarification and make an announcement next week on the matter.

“It is important to remember that an increase in the floor price will lead to a rise in rice prices for consumers.

“So, we need to consider how to balance this. We do not want prices to rise for consumers,” he said when answering an additional question from Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) during the Prime Minister’s Question Time today.

Last week, over 200 farmers gathered in Putrajaya to demand a raise in the floor price of paddy from RM1,300 to RM1,800 per tonne.

In response, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu pledged to address their concerns, assuring them of the government’s commitment to engaging with farmers on this and other pressing issues.

RM150m additional subsidy

Elaborating, Anwar said he had received the farmers’ memorandum and assured them that the government was working towards a balanced solution that does not place an excessive burden on either party.

“So far, I have discussed with the Finance Ministry to ensure that the government will provide additional subsidies so that the market price of local rice for consumers will not increase.

“This means, the government will allocate an additional RM150 million for six months, which will be finalised soon,” he explained.

Anwar also emphasised that the government cannot view this issue from a single perspective.

“If we focus solely on protecting consumers, we risk disadvantaging farmers. Likewise, if we raise farmers' earnings too much, consumers will bear the burden.

“Many B40 households are struggling, which is why I announced earlier that the minister will provide a detailed explanation next week along with a reasonable price adjustment, supported by government subsidies,” he added.

Opposition didn’t help before

Anwar also took aim at opposition MPs, including Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut), for their lack of understanding despite speaking out on the issue.

“You made a fuss, causing an uproar in the whole village, even bringing people in buses. But when you were in power, you didn’t raise it. We were the ones who did.

“I am addressing this issue because the opposition leader mentioned a RM1,300 figure (for paddy floor price) but failed to acknowledge the subsidy increase.

“He did not mention the RM600 subsidy (Subsidised Diesel Control System), which is distributed in three payments of RM200 per year. This omission is why I believe that checks and balances should be based on facts, not fake news," he added.

Mat Sabu promises to review paddy floor price following farmers' protest

Hundreds of farmers rally in Putrajaya, urge govt to review paddy floor price

Anwar urges farmers' rally not to disrupt Prabowo's visit

I'm answerable to PM - Mat Sabu says on local white rice shortage