Kota Kinabalu: Some 20,000 bags of imported 10kg rice are being sold for RM24 each at the Sentuhan Agro Madani Sabah programme at the Likas Sports Complex, here, until today (Sunday).
This is RM7 cheaper than the stipulated ceiling retail price, said Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin.
Hundreds were seen flocking to buy the rice despite rain on Saturday evening.
Chan said the sales and special subsidy were given through the Farmers Organisation Board (FOB) to ensure no leakage.
“Another objective of this programme is to encourage youths to view agriculture as a viable career choice,” he told the media.
Asked if Sabahans could see RM24 as the normal price for a 10kg bag of imported rice, Chan said the RM31 ceiling price would be maintained indefinitely.
“The Unity Government is giving a RM950 subsidy per metric tonne for Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.
“To ensure standard price for rural areas, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) has been tasked to transport the rice to low margin areas.
“Fama will shoulder the responsibility to ensure unrestricted circulation,” he said, inviting the public to try the RM30 “all you can eat durian for 40 minutes” at the programme.
Also present at the officiating ceremony were State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Jin Zhe Phoong and State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
Chan said agriculture cannot be a single ministry effort with so many crossover opportunities.
“Agriculture is not just an upstream industry providing the raw materials. Downstream products with added value reaches the broader market in line with our objectives.
“Agriculture also has the potential to create a beautiful landscape attractive to both local and international tourists. There is much room for cooperation here,” he added.
Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding amounting to RM4 million to benefit some 7,428 communities of farmers, fishermen and agro entrepreneurs in Sabah was signed at the event.
Among them were FOB tractors worth RM1.87 million, Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia allowances (RM1.57 million), the Empowering Farmer Entrepreneurs (Rise-UP) programme allowance for 27 participants (RM1.45 million) and a FOB Cold Truck (RM200,000).
