THE demand for local white rice in Kelantan has increased by almost 50% following the hike in the price of imported rice last week.

Kelantan Farmers’ Organisation chairman Aimi Jusoh said the spike in demand was also driven by panic buying and its better quality.

“For the past 20 years, the demand for local rice had been consistent at the same level every year. The increase in price of imported rice has caused a surge in demand for local white rice.

“Previously, Kelantan people preferred rice from Thailand because it is easily available at the Kelantan border,” he told a press conference at Kangkong Farmers’ Organisation Area in Pasir Mas today.

Aimi, who is also Kangkong Farmers’ Organisation chairman, said the local white rice was also sold at below the government-controlled price, at RM13 for 5kg and RM25.50 for 10kg.

“There are 34 Farmers’ Organisation areas in Kelantan with 2,400ha of padi fields, which are able to supply 90,000 tonnes of rice per season. So we are confident that the demand can be met,” he said.

Kelantan Padi and Rice Control director Mohamed Fadhli Abdul Azid said the supply of local white rice is sufficient to meet demand during the monsoon because the second harvest for 2023 is at the end of this month.

“Five local white rice distribution companies have been appointed to ensure supply of 200 tonnes of rice per month in the state,” he said. – Bernama, September 24, 2023.