BANGI (Feb 28): The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is optimistic that it will be able to submit on March 20 proposals to resolve the paddy and rice issues in the country, as instructed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, who is also known as Mat Sabu, said his ministry will seek input from other ministries before finalising any proposals.

“On the paddy and rice issues, we cannot act in silos. We need to work with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy, and the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, because any announcement would be related to several other ministries.

“That was why when we decided to do something like floating the price of chicken, we consulted with farmers, distributors, and sellers before announcing the matter.

“Likewise with the price of rice, it is more complicated, because it involves imported rice, imported white rice, local white rice, briyani rice, and so on,” Mohamad told reporters after attending the 2024 National Young Farmers Symposium, in conjunction with the 51st Anniversary of the Farmers’ Organisation Authority, here on Tuesday night.

Mohamad said his ministry would hold discussions with the relevant agencies prior to gathering feedback from stakeholders, including farmers and manufacturers.

“Some are asking if everything will be resolved by March 20. No. This is an initial step, and we will look at it from various aspects,” he said.

Last Friday, Anwar issued a statement asking the ministry to lead and coordinate more thorough engagement sessions on the paddy and rice issues as soon as possible.

The prime minister said the engagement sessions should take into account the purchase price of paddy, supply factors, world import rice prices, the sustainability of local rice supply, and the impact on consumers.

On Sunday, Anwar said that the ministry and the National Action Council on Cost of Living are given until March 20 to resolve the issues of paddy and rice prices.

Meanwhile, Mohamad said young farmers need to be aware and well informed of government policies, particularly those concerning the agricultural sector.

He said that the government, through his ministry, had introduced numerous forms of aid, incentives, and programmes to encourage young people’s participation in the agricultural sector.

“In addition to financial aid, the government offers extensive training and advisory services tailored for young individuals, aiming to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills in the agricultural industry.

“All the incentives and assistance provided by the government would be futile if the young people are unaware of them,” he added.