RICE grown in Sarawak and granted the geographical indication status (GIS) is expensive because its price is not regulated by the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994, Deputy Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail told the state legislative assembly today.

He said with prices ranging from RM15-28 per kg, local traditional rice such as the Bario, Bajong, Biris and Wai varieties are sold as premium rice in targeted niche markets, like Singapore.

The most well-known of the varieties, the Bario rice, is sold as high as RM28 per kg in Kuching.

Abdul Rahman said the prices on the supply and demand of the commodity.

“With a floating price for local traditional rice, farmers can enjoy higher income and sustain their rice cultivation activities,” he said.

That, he said, was crucial considering that rice production is still low in the state, accounting for only 5% of the total national production.

Only the MR269 variety of white rice, or known locally as beras putih tempatan, falls under the Control of Padi and Rice Act.

Replying to a question from Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor (Lingga-GPS), he said his ministry is actively promoting the premium rice via the Farmers’ e-Shop of the State Farmers’ Organisation.

He said the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore is also marketing local traditional rice in the island republic.

The GIS is protection based on the concept of controlled designation of origin.

The status is designed to protect the names of the rice or any other agricultural products based on their geographic origin and the traditional methods used in their production. – November 21, 2023.