MTEM chairman Norsyahrin Hamidon said that to date, no systemic or structural changes had been implemented to reduce Malaysia’s reliance on imported rice, elevate the livelihoods of padi farmers, or sustain the survival of Malay millers.
He also said the council had received numerous complaints from industry players, reflecting a lack of trust in the entities tasked with safeguarding farmers’ welfare and protecting the 645,000ha of padi fields nationwide.
“Due to this loss of trust and the inability to curb misconduct or ensure fairness, MTEM believes that the Paddy Industry Development Division and Bernas, as industry trustees, have failed in their responsibilities.
“MTEM hereby proposes the immediate establishment of an independent commission to assume their functions,” he said in a statement.
He said the roles and functions of the National Padi and Rice Board could be revived, and final decisions left to the wisdom of the proposed commission.
Norsyahrin said the commission should comprise stakeholders representing diverse interests, including padi farmers, small-scale and Malay millers, wholesalers, industry experts, and the relevant agencies.
He also highlighted a slew of issues which he said the commission should urgently address, including the sharp rise in padi production costs such as for seeds, pesticides, land rental, and labour wages.
He said the commission should also review the padi price structure, given that the controlled price for local rice had remained at RM2.60 per kg since 2014 – a rate which he described as “unrealistic”.
“A more equitable padi purchase price must also be proposed, along with strict measures against opportunistic price hikes,” he said.
The commission should also look into increasing the income and safeguarding the welfare of some 200,000 padi farmers and their families, including by ensuring that they receive monthly salaries of RM4,000 to RM5,000 through initiatives like integrated farming, he said.
“MTEM fears that if the government does not act promptly, Malaysia will face a severe food security crisis by 2030,” Norsyahrin said.
Pertubuhan Persaudaraan Pesawah Malaysia has been urging the government to review the floor price for padi, which has been set at RM1,300 per tonne for more than a decade, taking into account the rising costs involved.
Last week, it was reported that the agriculture and food security ministry had agreed to review the floor price.