Will Malaysia PM take action against rice hoarders amid rice shortage?

Malaysia has been struggling due to the recent rice crisis. Initially, the people in the country were suffering because of a limited supply of locally produced rice. They had to buy imported rice, which was way more expensive than domestically produced rice.

Such incidents have affected the daily lives of Malaysians. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has now threatened legal action against rice hoarders. Will Malaysian PM take action against rice hoarders amid rice shortage? What can Malaysians expect? 

Malaysia PM threatens action against rice hoarders

Anwar bin Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, has threatened legal action against people found hoarding rice amid the crisis. 

On 2 October, Anwar bin Ibrahim said, “If anyone dares to take advantage when people are struggling to find rice … you hoard, we will find you, sue you, and take you to court.” He gave warning to rice hoarders. 

Amid the crisis, consumers have started stockpiling local grains. Amid rice shortage in the country, panic-buying by consumers have increased.

Will Malaysia PM take action against rice hoarders amid rice shortage?

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia will set up an enforcement and monitoring team to curb rice hoarding under the guidance of the Malaysian Prime Minister. 

The Malaysian Prime Minister  also urged people not to hoard locally produced rice. Rice hoarders will face strict action from 3 October.

The government will also increase distribution of rice to rural areas. The government has also announced measures to tame down rice prices. 

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What can Malaysians expect?

The Malaysian government has announced a subsidy of 950 ringgit per ton for imported rice in the states of Sabah and Sarawak from October 5.

Anwar bin Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, also said that around 400 million ringgit in subsidies would be channeled for government facilities across the country for buying imported rice. The government has also highlighted the importance of rice as the main staple food in Malaysia. 

Malaysia, which imports about 38 per cent of its rice needs, was affected after India restricted rice exports to meet their domestic needs.