Hong Zudian, President of Rice noodles Manufacturers Association of MalaysiaattendHeld in PenangChamber of Commerceemergency meetinginRepresents,sinceStarting from September 5, 2023,The price of Rice noodles will be raised20%,The reason is thatRice noodles raw materialslargeThe shortage of rice increases the cost of making Rice noodlesthreebecome,IfriceIf the shortage situation does not improve,Rice noodlesProduction may be discontinued within two or three weeks.After adjustment,MalaysiaThe price of Rice noodles will rise by about1 ringgit (approximately SGD 0.29).

Rice is an important daily food for billions of people, contributing to the total calorie intake of people in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa60%.The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations stated that due to restrictions on rice exports in India and adverse climate conditions affecting production and supply, rice prices have skyrocketed to nearlyThe price of Asian rice, which relies on rice as a staple food, has reached a new high in 12 years, reaching a new high in 15 years.

India is the world's largest exporter of rice, exporting to the worldMore than 140 countries export rice, with a total export volume of approximately 22 million tons from India in 2022,Proportion of global rice exports40%.

In order to ensure domestic market supply and curb inflation, India hasOn July 20th, it was announced that the export of "non Basmati" white rice was prohibited. Apart from India, other rice growing countries are also maintaining a cautious attitude while increasing exports,asThe United Arab Emirates has suspended rice exports to maintain domestic inventory.Export restrictions from various countries, coupled with unfavorable weather conditions, have affected rice supply, resulting inYesFood prices in Asiarise.

Nurfitri, Secretary General of the Malaysian Rice Industry Organization·Amir MuhammadPreviously proposedThe low rice yield per unit area in Malaysia may increase Malaysia's dependence on imported rice, with low-income groups being most affected by price increases.

Heexpress,The self-sufficiency rate of rice production in Malaysia in 2021 was 65%. With the recent increase in international rice prices, the cost of rice imports has become higher, and rice prices may further increase. This may result in poor people unable to afford rice, or low-income groups needing to spend more money on imported rice.

In order to solve the problem of low rice yield per unit area, Malaysia urgently needs to upgrade its infrastructure, especially improve irrigation facilities, and reduce water waste. Malaysia still lacks warehousing facilities. Farmers should have the freedom to choose high-quality seed varieties that can withstand high temperatures,The government should directly distribute seed subsidies to farmers, rather than to selected companies.

However, India's restrictive measures provide Thailand with an opportunity to expand exports. The world's second largest rice exporter has been promoting in recent weeks, with Thai trade officials visiting the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan. The message conveyed is: If you want rice, we have it.