Local rice not selling? Check quality first, says opposition
Malaysiakini Team
Published: Aug 4, 2025 5:22 PM
Updated: 7:22 PM
PARLIAMENT | Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh has come under criticism from the opposition over her remarks claiming that local rice was not well received by the public amid rising cost-of-living concerns.
Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin urged the government to examine the quality of local rice in the market.
“I was shocked the deputy minister in charge of cost of living said local rice isn’t selling.
“MasyaAllah, I want to tell the deputy minister, has she listened to the people’s complaints, does she know the quality of the rice being sold, does she understand that the people also know the quality of rice?
“Don’t speak carelessly without thinking about the interests of the people on the ground. It is such behaviour that causes public disappointment,” the Larut MP said during the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan Serai) shared similar concerns, saying people could not afford local rice as it is only sold in 10kg bags.
Bagan Serai MP Idris Ahmad
“Regarding local rice that’s said to not be selling, it’s strange in Bagan Serai, because local rice is only sold in 10kg bags.
“The 5kg bags are sold at imported rice prices, while the people want to buy just 5kg,” he said.
Broken rice percentage
Hamzah further claimed that the cheaper 10kg bags contain a higher percentage of broken rice.
“The minister needs to recheck the quality of the rice. The 5kg bags are sold at higher prices because the percentage of broken rice is low.
“The 10kg bags have a high percentage (of broken rice). That’s why they’re cheap. That’s why I ask the government to check first before speaking,” he said.
“Regarding local rice that’s said to not be selling, it’s strange in Bagan Serai, because local rice is only sold in 10kg bags.
“The 5kg bags are sold at imported rice prices, while the people want to buy just 5kg,” he said.
Broken rice percentage
Hamzah further claimed that the cheaper 10kg bags contain a higher percentage of broken rice.
“The minister needs to recheck the quality of the rice. The 5kg bags are sold at higher prices because the percentage of broken rice is low.
“The 10kg bags have a high percentage (of broken rice). That’s why they’re cheap. That’s why I ask the government to check first before speaking,” he said.
Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh
On July 31, Fuziah told Parliament that narratives about price hikes burdening the public were being exaggerated.
“Previously, people complained about the unavailability of local rice, complaining as if the government failed to provide it.
“But when the local rice is fully stocked in supermarkets, it doesn’t sell. Even local rice under the Rahmah sales isn’t moving,” she said.
On July 31, Fuziah told Parliament that narratives about price hikes burdening the public were being exaggerated.
“Previously, people complained about the unavailability of local rice, complaining as if the government failed to provide it.
“But when the local rice is fully stocked in supermarkets, it doesn’t sell. Even local rice under the Rahmah sales isn’t moving,” she said.
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