KUALA LUMPUR (March 18): The National Farmers Organisation (Nafas) is prepared to serve as an alternative rice importer if Padi Beras Nasional Bhd (Bernas) is unwilling to procure rice at a more competitive price to meet local demand, said Bukit Gantang Member of Parliament Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz.

Syed Abu Hussin, who is also the chairman of the National Action Council on Cost of Living's (Naccol) food cluster task force, said the self-sufficiency level (SSL) of the country's rice supply currently stands at only 62%.

"Nafas is ready to assist the government in combating cartel activities within the paddy and rice industry, and to sell rice at a more reasonable price to reduce the cost of living," he said at news conference at Parliament building on Monday.

Naccol will be holding a meeting on Tuesday chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to discuss paddy and rice prices.

Bernas is Malaysia’s sole rice importer. Last September, it increased the price of imported rice to RM3,200 per tonne from its multi-year pricing of RM2,350 per tonne, citing a weakening ringgit, high operating costs, and the impact of India's white rice export ban announced in July.

Meanwhile, Nafas is the sole distributor for the government’s Certified Padi Seed Incentive programme.

With Nafas's involvement, Syed Abu Hussin believes the price of rice can be controlled at RM30 for each 10kg pack.

"Nafas possesses its own facilities and expertise in rice production, allowing it to handle everything from land preparation to rice distribution," he added.

For more Parliament stories, click here.