PUCHONG: Malaysia has enough rice stock to last five to six months, standing at 1.1 million metric tonnes up to June 18.
Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali said the ministry constantly ensured that the commercial rice stock exceeded the country's monthly needs.
"At present, the rice stock in the country at the mill, wholesale and retail levels is 752,447 metric tonnes, with 107,757 metric tonnes being transferred from ships and 67,961 metric tonnes in local padi.
"The government also has a buffer stock of 200,000 metric tonnes of rice ready to be used for emergencies, like a global food crisis or a state of emergency.
"Up to June 18, the national rice stock stands at 1,128,165 metric tonnes, which is enough for the country's needs for five to six months," he said at the Fisheries Development Authority's 'ibadah korban' programme today.
He said the rice supply for the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration was stable nationwide and there were no issues.
"If there are shortages anywhere, we will ask FAMA (Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority) and the Farmers' Organisation Authority to assess the situation and send supplies to those locations."
Present was Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
Four cows were sacrificed in the qurban programme, with 28 employees participating.