Malaysia lets restaurants buy imported rice at wholesale prices

Government seeks to stabilize supply of staple in move against inflation

20231010 malaysia rice

Chicken rendang with white rice served at a restaurant in Selangor: The Malaysian government has taken new initiatives to support restaurants in the face of rising rice prices. © Reuters

NORMAN GOH, Nikkei staff writer

KUALA LUMPUR -- The Malaysian government has taken new steps to stabilize rice supplies as prices rise, allowing restaurants to buy imported white rice at a lower cost.

With locally produced rice meeting only 70% of domestic demand, Malaysia relies on imports to make up the difference. However, prices for imported rice have risen in tandem with the recent global price surge, disrupting rice distribution.

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