SEPANGGAR: Information on the price hike for rice has yet to be finalised, says Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
The minister was responding to a hypermarket chain owner’s warning that the retail price for a 10kg bag of rice would increase by at least RM1 next month, in addition to last month’s price hike of between RM1 and RM2 per bag for several types of rice, including imported white rice.
“Talk is circulating about possible increases here and there, but it is not a government decision.
“My ministry and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry will be exchanging notes today and will issue a statement as soon as possible,” he told reporters during the launch of the “Misi Rahmah Economi Sempadan Malaysia-Brunei” programme at the Petronas Dagangan Bhd plant in Sepanggar Bay here.
Also present was Domestic Trade and Living Costs Ministry’s Sabah director Georgie Abas.
Earlier, Salahuddin assured that the supply of non-subsidised LPG to Brunei would not affect supply within the country.
“The programme starts with the supply of non-subsidised LPG from Malaysia to Brunei and will be expanded to include other essential goods, which will be further detailed between the two countries in the future.
“Petronas, through the LPG production at Sepanggar Bay plant in Sabah, has agreed to supply 150 metric tonnes of non-subsidised LPG to Brunei,” he added.
The LPG supply is facilitated by Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sendirian Bhd from the Sepanggar Bay oil and LPG terminal here to Brunei, from June 16 until July 1 this year.
Source: New Straits Times
