By MAZWIN NIK ANIS

PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA: Consumers can look forward to cheaper rice after authorities meet in the next few days to review the ceiling price for the 5% and 10% broken grains.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said many retailers have begun selling the super Special Tempatan 5% (ST 5%) and the super Special Tempatan 10% (ST 10%) below the ceiling price.

He said he would be chairing a meeting to review the maximum selling price of RM2.80 per kilo for ST 5% and RM2.70 per kilo for ST 10%, adding that consumers could also expect to enjoy cheaper imported rice following a drop in global prices.

"We are pleased that some retailers are selling at cheaper prices, but those selling the ST 5% and ST 10% at the ceiling prices are not violating the law.

"The price of Super Tempatan 15% will remain at RM1.80 per kilo as this is subsidised by the Government," Mustapa told reporters after chairing a meeting with the management of hypermarkets and supermarkets at his office yesterday.

Rice is cheaper by an average of 20 sen per kilo as prices of consumer goods continue to slide following a cut in fuel prices. The price of imported rice from Thailand has also been cut by 50 sen to RM3 per kilo.

On another matter, Mustapa said a recent meeting with hypermarket and supermarket operators was fruitful as they had given a commitment to put more local produce, including fruits and vegetables, on the shelves.

"The hypermarkets agree there should be more local produce on the shelves but they also want an assurance of quality produce and sufficient supply.

"We have also agreed to share the database where hypermarkets will inform us which type of produce are in demand and farmers can match the need," he said.

Mustapa said the operators were also willing to assist farmers to improve on packaging.