M'SIA: RICE CEILING PRICE EXPECTED TO DROP THIS WEEK

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government is expected to lower the ceiling price of Super Special Tempatan (SST) rice with five percent and ten percent broken grain this week, in line with the drop in the price of oil globally.

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said the
decision would be made after the ceiling price of rice had been reviewed and
discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Inflation.

"We are moving towards this direction (lower ceiling price)," he told
reporters after a meeting with major hypermarket operators here
Wednesday.

However, the ceiling price of SST rice with 15 percent broken grain still
remained at RM1.80 per kg as it was subsidised by the government.
(US$1=RM3.52)

The actual price was RM2.30 per kg.

On Saturday, the price of SST rice dropped 20 sen per kg. SST five percent
broken grain dropped from RM2.80 to RM2.60 per kg and SST 10 percent broken
grain dropped from RM2.70 to RM2.50 per kg.

Mustapa also said hypermarket operators had agreed to step up programmes to
encourage the sale of local agriculture produce at their premises aimed at
penetrating the global market.

"To show their promotion of local agriculture produce and agro-based
industry products, they had agreed to share database with the government. This
way, we will know what products are wanted in bulk," he said.

The hypermarkets also agreed to train entrepreneurs in improving packaging
and quality of products for the market.

He added the ministry would also ensure consistent supply of produce like
watermelons where 500 tonnes were needed daily compared to a supply of only 200
tonnes daily.