THE Malaysian Malay Rice Millers’ Association (PPBMM) has requested the government to cap the quota for each mill’s padi purchase at 20,000 metric tonnes.

Its chairman Mohamad Termizi Yop said the move would ensure each mill has equal opportunities, particularly Bumiputera-owned mills.

“Currently, with no set quota, some millers get paddy purchases of 40,000, 60,000 and 70,000 metric tonnes,” he said at a media conference after PPBMM’s annual general meeting in Alor Setar today.

He said the association discovered many small-scale millers, especially those owned by Bumiputeras, have shuttered after failing to secure padi purchases to cover operating costs.

He said in Kedah, out of 35 Bumiputera millers, only seven were still operating.

Termizi said the quota would help to tackle issues with the country’s rice supply, such as misappropriation and fraud, which have led to the recent shortage.

He said the PPBMM called for the reassessment of the transfer of padi from one state to another, adding that the government should first obtain input from millers.

“This matter also needs attention to prevent unreasonable price offers from middlemen and profiteering,” he said.

He urged the government to ensure the country’s stockpile comprised only local rice and to provide warehouses in every state. – Bernama, December 28, 2023.