KUALA LUMPUR: Imported white rice has dominated the market, with most businesses in the capital continuing to sell only this variety.

A survey by Harian Metro of several stores found that all were offering imported white rice exclusively.

One supermarket was found to have large quantities of imported white rice in stock.

The prices ranged from RM19.60 to RM36.99 for a 5-kilogramme bag, while a 10-kilogramme bag was priced between RM34.99 and RM44.90.

Salesperson Cahaya Sakinah Ramli, 31, said that she had previously bought local rice but could no longer find any on the market.

"I used to buy local rice because it was cheaper, but it's hard to find it now," she said. "I haven't been able to find local rice for a while, so I've had to switch to the imported variety."

She added that, based on her observations, the price of imported white rice has remained consistent with the previous month.

A similar trend was noted at a convenience store, where only imported white rice was available for purchase.

A worker at the store explained that the owner doesn't often stock imported rice due to low demand.

"My boss usually orders imported white rice for a few days at a time because there aren't many buyers," the worker said.

"Typically, my boss orders 5 and 10-kilogramme bags, and it can take nearly a week to sell out a few bags."

Earlier it was reported that Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) had agreed to reduce the price of imported white rice at its warehouses in Peninsular Malaysia, dropping it from RM3,000 per ton to RM2,800 per ton, effective yesterday.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu confirmed that the price reduction followed discussions between his ministry and Bernas.

The price cut is in line with the global decline in rice prices and the strengthening of the Malaysian Ringgit against the US dollar.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/12/1142995/hard-find-local-white-rice-consumers