SITIAWAN: The Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry has not dismissed the possibility that the price of imported rice may rise in the future as it is not a controlled item. Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek (pic) said several factors could contribute to the rise in price, including the higher global price of rice and the depreciation of the ringgit. The ceiling price of imported rice is not controlled but according to regulations, it cannot be sold at a lower price than local rice to protect the national rice industry. "Maybe, what the Rice Wholesalers' Association said is correct since there are signs that the global price of rice has risen. Earlier, Malaysian Rice Wholesalers Association president Wu Zi Lian predicted that the price of imported rice could rise by 10% by the end of the year.

Source: The Star July 04, 2017 13:07 UTC