Realistic Paddy Floor Price Needed to Offset Rising Costs, Say Stakeholders

Farmers in Malaysia are facing mounting pressure from rising production costs and diminishing yields, prompting calls for a significant increase in the government-set floor price for paddy. The current rate of RM1,500 per metric ton is no longer sustainable, failing to adequately support farmers in covering their essential operational expenses.

Industry stakeholders are advocating for a more realistic floor price, proposing a range between RM2,000 and RM2,500 per metric ton. This adjustment is seen as crucial to ensure the long-term viability of the nation's rice farming sector and to bolster the self-sufficiency level of the country's rice supply.

This call for a higher floor price is not merely about increasing profits; it's about survival for many paddy farmers. The government's intervention through a revised pricing mechanism is vital to provide a much-needed incentive and financial cushion, ensuring that the backbone of the nation's food security can continue its essential work.