Its minister Mohamad Sabu said several intervention steps have been taken through the programme, including directing rice millers to increase production by 20% as a short-term measure.

He said a number of engagement sessions with padi industry stakeholders would be held on Thursday to discuss methods and mechanisms for the recovery of rice production.

“Through these engagement sessions, we will clarify the mechanisms regarding the supply of local rice in the country.”

He was elaborating on the ministry’s strategy to ensure a sufficient supply of local white rice in the market.

He visited the Giant supermarket in Tampoi here today to ensure there was sufficient local rice on sale.

Mohamad said so far the supply of local white rice is sufficient and has been maintained at the controlled price of RM2.60 per kg since 2008.

This showed that the ministry’s efforts to restore rice production were in line with increased demand, following the hike in the price of imported rice.

Mohamad said the ministry’s earlier initiatives, such as the Mini Sekinchan Smart Big Scale Padi Field project, were expected to help in the long-term recovery of local rice production.

He said this project would result in a massive harvest of 11 tonnes of padi per hectare.

Asked if it was true that 95% of the national rice production was controlled by middlemen, he said this was not true and that it was a mere allegation.

Mohamad also said he was working closely with the domestic trade and cost of living ministry to combat the issue of switching labels on rice packaging to take advantage of the higher prices for imported rice.