KUCHING: Members of the public have expressed their concern over the 36 per cent increase in the price of imported white rice as announced by Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas).
Bernas announced that the price of imported white rice has increased from RM2,350 per metric tonne to RM3,200 from Friday (Sept 1).
New Sarawak Tribune interviewed some of the consumers and business owners to hear their responses on the announcement.
LESTER PUI, 29, Lawyer
Due to the current rise in the standard of living and economic challenges that the country is facing, certain groups of people such as the B40 and M40 groups will be impacted by the spike in white rice price. Rice is a food commodity that is widely consumed by Malaysians and thus, the prices should be carefully monitored to avoid burdening the society.
ARDELES PHUA, 32, Business owner
I think besides rice, the prices of other things have also been increasing. Eggs, chicken and rice are among the major foods that we eat.
Edwin Then, 40, Business owner
For me, the increase of 36 per cent is slightly high because there are a lot of B40 people who cannot afford to buy rice and other things now. I have a lot of kids and it is going to be quite a struggle to provide for them if the prices of daily essentials keep on increasing.
Wayne Lee, 32, Business owner
Malaysia is one of the countries that eat the most rice. A hike in the prices of rice is going to affect the whole country. They will be affecting every restaurant and every household too. The households with lower incomes are already struggling to pay bills. One shouldn’t be surprised that some of them are going to sleep with hunger. Our government definitely needs to step in to subsidise and help those in need.
