Local Rice Quality On Par With Imported Varities - MARDI

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) remains committed to ensuring the quality of local white rice (BPT) is on par with imported rice, despite some assuming that BPT quickly goes stale, has an odour and produces mushy rice.

Its director-general, Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani, said the monitoring of BPT quality is implemented holistically, starting from the basic seed stage to rice production.

"In Malaysia, we have a special scheme - Paddy Seed Certification Scheme (SPBP) - to ensure the seeds distributed to farmers are genuine, high-quality, high-yielding and disease-free.

"We (MARDI) also conduct laboratory tests to ensure the seeds produced have a high germination rate, thus preventing the distribution of low-quality seeds. Standards are also set for paddy and rice through specifications developed by the Department of Standards Malaysia (JSM) and SIRIM Berhad.

"These standards encompass specifications and grades for paddy and rice, including purity level, rate of broken grain and control over the presence of foreign materials like pebbles, dust or wood waste,” he told Bernama recently.

He said that with the standards, the rice produced is of the highest quality and safe, besides being of the same standard as imported rice because both offer almost similar qualities in terms of texture, aroma and nutritional content.

On the differences in terms of feel or softness, he said that would depend on individual taste, though scientifically, local rice has been proven to be on par with imported rice.

"There is no significant difference between local and imported rice. For example, the MR333 variant, also known as Menora, which MARDI recently launched, is nearly the same size in length as the Siamese rice.

"It's also the same for local fragrant rice varieties like MRQ76, which has a mild aroma comparable to Thai Jasmine Rice. The difference is more towards consumer preference,” he said.

In this matter, Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) has also implemented stringent controls through laboratories that are ISO 17025:2017 accredited, which are equipped with facilities to carry out physical, chemical and sensory tests.

Bernas also collaborates with the Department of Chemistry Malaysia to organise inter-laboratory comparison tests as well as proficiency tests to strengthen the accuracy of analysis and reliability of local rice quality control results.

Commenting on nutritional value, Mohamad Zabawi explained that some local rice varieties have their own advantages that benefit consumers. 

"For example, the MARDI MRQ103 fragrant rice variety has a low glycemic index (GI) suitable for diabetics or individuals who want to control their diet. That doesn't mean it can cure the disease, it's just that it provides a healthier option for consumers,” he added.

Meanwhile, local rice consumer Hadija Esa, 35, said one of the main reasons she opts for local rice is because its quality is on par with imported rice.

"Local rice is not only sold at a subsidised price, which is useful for consumers to save costs, but it is also on par with imported rice in terms of quality. Its texture, aroma and taste are satisfying indeed,” said the mother of four.

For 58-year-old Mohd Hanafiah Omar, local rice will always be his go-to as it is not only better in terms of quality, but through his purchases, he can help local farmers improve their income, thus contributing to the development of the country's economy.

"I hope the government will continue to provide support, including subsidies, to ensure the local rice industry keeps expanding, improving product quality and making things easier for farmers,” he said.

-- BERNAMA