THERE is enough rice supply to cater for local consumption, said Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry in allaying public fear of shortage caused by Covid-19’s global impact.

Minister Ronald Kiandee said there are 523,000 metric tonnes of rice at various levels – from millers to wholesalers and retailers.

“And this does not include locally produced and imported rice stocks in the country,” he said in a statement today.

He said this to dispute news reports the total rice stock in the country would only last for 2.5 months.

Kiandee did not state how long the available stock would last, though.

However, he said rice imports were not affected and operated as normal.

He said Malaysia was importing rice from Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, Myanmar, India, Cambodia and other countries.

The minister said Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) has been instructed by the government to ensure there is sufficient supply in the country, and if need be, to increase imports.

He said Malaysia imported only 30% of its rice needs.

Kiandee said would continue to monitor and ensure that the local rice supply remains adequate to cater for the 200,000 metric tonnes of monthly need.

Malaysians had resorted to panic buying even before the movement control order was enforced to stock up on essential items, including rice. – March 28, 2020.