THE Penang government is exploring the possibility of producing its own local rice as a strategic measure to enhance food security within the state. This initiative aims to provide locally grown white rice at an affordable price while benefitting the B40 target group.
Penang Agrotechnology, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said it would be branded as ‘Beras Cap Feri’.
“The Penang executive council (exco) meeting has reached an agreement on March 20 to produce the state’s local rice under the brand name ‘Beras Cap Feri’. The project will be spearheaded by me.
“Subsequently, on March 25, a comprehensive meeting of the Penang rice steering committee took place, bringing together key stakeholders from various departments and agencies.
“Participants included the Penang Agriculture Department, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA), Farmers’ Organisation Authority (LPP), and the Rice Monitoring Division.
“The agenda centred on deliberating the operational framework to produce ‘Beras Cap Feri’, fostering collaboration among these entities to ensure its successful implementation,” he said in an interview today.
Fahmi anticipated that the ‘Beras Cap Feri’ could be made available in Penang in the next two months.
“Emphasis will be placed on marketing the ‘Beras Cap Feri’ through the Penang FAMA, which also serves as the executing body for this rice project.
“During the previous Penang rice steering committee meeting, it was agreed to commence the initial sales phase at specific FAMA and LPP facilities, such as Agrobazaar FAMA and Peladang Outlets,” he added.
Fahmi mentioned that, to date, the Penang government has conducted negotiations with the Penang Farmers’ Organisation (PPN) to allow the state government to directly purchase paddy produce from PPN before it is processed into ‘Beras Cap Feri’.
“This also means that the ‘Beras Cap Feri’ will be using locally sourced rice from Penang,” he said.
Fahmi emphasised that “Beras Cap Feri” represents a significant initiative by the Penang government aimed at bolstering food security within the state while offering locally cultivated white rice at a more accessible price point compared to market rates.
“The production of ‘Beras Cap Feri’ will also extend benefits to the B40 target group by offering them locally sourced white rice at a more affordable rate than the prevailing market prices,” he added.