Malaysia Struggles to Boost Domestic Uptake of Locally Grown Rice
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Despite government initiatives, Malaysian-grown white rice continues to face an uphill battle in capturing the domestic market, with consumer preference remaining heavily skewed towards cheaper imported varieties. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu revealed on Tuesday that uptake of local rice currently stands at a concerning 10 to 15 percent.
The minister, also known as Mat Sabu, explained that even easing purchase limits – from one 10kg sack per person to five – has failed to significantly shift consumer behavior. Speaking after a recording of Podcast Utama Buletin TV3 in Bangsar, he attributed the continued low demand to the price competitiveness of imported rice.
“We are trying to produce local white rice, but it appears that purchases are still low. Only around 10 to 15 per cent,” the minister stated.
Declining Self-Sufficiency Ratio Sparks Concern
The limited consumer demand for local rice comes as Malaysia’s self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) – a critical measure of a nation’s food security – has fallen below 60 percent. This represents a significant decline from a previous high of 71 percent. According to the minister, this drop is largely attributable to the conversion of valuable padi land for housing and industrial development, coupled with the increasingly unpredictable impacts of climate change.
“For me, being below 60 per cent is an undesirable position, and we must find solutions,” Mohamad emphasized. The ministry is actively pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to address the issue, focusing on expanding cultivation areas, revitalizing neglected padi fields, and implementing modernization efforts to enhance yields.
Promising Yields Offer a Glimmer of Hope
Early indicators suggest that these efforts are beginning to bear fruit. Selangor has already achieved average yields of five tonnes per hectare, with Sekinchan and select regions in Kedah reporting even higher production levels.
“We need to raise yields through modernization, improved padi field management, fertilisation and other efforts from time to time,” Mohamad added. “.
Vulnerability to Global Market Fluctuations
While a recent decrease in global rice prices has provided temporary relief, the minister cautioned that Malaysia remains vulnerable to external supply shocks. This underscores the urgency of bolstering domestic production and reducing reliance on imports.
“That is why focusing on rice SSR is my biggest priority in this ministry. This is our staple food, and we cannot compromise,” he said.
Learning from Indonesia’s Approach
Malaysia is looking to Indonesia’s ambitious goal of achieving self-sufficiency in strategic commodities, including rice, by 2026 for potential lessons. Mohamad noted that Indonesia benefits from larger and more geographically diverse padi growing regions, a contrast to Malaysia’s concentration in Kedah, Kelantan, Perak, and Selangor.
To address this, the ministry is prioritizing a significant increase in average yields, aiming to raise production from the current 4.5 tonnes per hectare to seven tonnes per hectare. “If we maintain the same padi land area but achieve an average of seven tonnes per hectare, we will be able to export rice,” Mohamad stated, urging collaboration from all stakeholders to achieve this target.
The minister’s remarks highlight the government’s firm commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s rice production capabilities, safeguarding national food security, and modernizing the padi sector in the face of growing global uncertainties. – December 16, 2025
