KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's rice self-sufficiency level remains at about 52% and has yet to show any increase due to a mix of structural constraints and climate-related pressures, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He said padi yields could not be increased without proper infrastructure, especially irrigation. Malaysia's rice self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) stood at about 52.9% in 2024, still well below the government's target of 75% by 2025 and 80% by 2030 under the National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030. To address this, the government will tighten quality control and grading, and Mardi has developed technology to detect and manage rice mixing. Based on a six-month study, the ministry found that about 15% of Malaysians need rice priced at around RM26 for a 10kg bag.

Source: The Star February 06, 2026 00:00 UTC