Perak Government To Request Rice Supply Quota Increase For Bumiputera Manufacturers

BAGAN SERAI, July 10 (Bernama) -- The Perak government will request the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) to increase the rice supply quota for manufacturers, especially Bumiputera manufacturers, to meet current needs and to ensure the country's food supply is secure.

State Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said the measure is important to ensure that both large and small manufacturers can collaborate in revitalising the rice industry and guaranteeing that its supply remains stable and sufficient.

For example, in Perak, we have the manufacturer Yop Zainan Sdn Bhd, a company that has been operating for 54 years and is now managed by the third generation. This company only has a quota of 300 tonnes per month, which is still insufficient even for the domestic market.

"I will bring this matter to the attention of the (KPKM) Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu during his series of visits to Perak next week, so that manufacturers in this state who are eligible can be considered for an increase in quota of up to 500 tonnes per month," he said.

He said this to reporters after visiting the Gudang Beras Yop Zainan in Kampung Masjid Batu, Kuala Kurau here today.

Commenting further, Mohd Zolkafly said that this wish is in line with the decree of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, to continue strengthening efforts to ensure food security.

"His Royal Highness expressed concern that the aspect of food security should always be given due attention and not only to focus on the food supply in Perak alone, but has the potential to be exported to other states.

"In line with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan, the state government is intensifying various efforts to strengthen food security through various initiatives that are being and will be implemented," he said.

He also announced the proposal to elevate the local product, Beras Baiduri Cap Gajus produced by Yop Zainan Sdn Bhd, as an official rice product of Perak.

"I will bring this matter to the state executive council (MMK) for discussion, and if agreed upon, we will present it to Sultan Nazrin Shah for approval to be rebranded as 'Beras Perak'.

"If the process goes smoothly, we plan to officially introduce it during the Perak Agrofest scheduled to take place from Sept 26 to 28," he added.

-- BERNAMA