Mohamad, better known as Mat Sabu, said his ministry will collaborate with the domestic trade and cost of living ministry and other agencies to resolve the issue.

“There is rice, but there’s a shortage of local white rice,” he said.

“The ministry’s secretary-general considers this to be an important issue, and we will tackle it effectively. We will find the best solution.”

Mohamad, who is also the Amanah president, was speaking to reporters during a press conference after the Selangor Amanah convention at the Midlands Convention Centre here.

He was responding to concerns raised by Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim, of PKR, about the availability of local white rice in the market.

Hassan noted that although the price of local white rice is capped at RM2.60 per kg, it was almost entirely unavailable, based on checks with some retailers.

Meanwhile, Mohamad expressed satisfaction with Amanah’s performance in Selangor, which currently has four parliamentarians and five state assemblymen.

“Selangor Amanah is growing well and has many members in the state. I find this to be quite satisfactory,” he said.