Several grocery stores and supermarkets have begun requiring customers to show proof of citizenship before purchasing subsidised local white rice.
According to a report by the New Straits Times, this measure aims to prevent foreigners from buying local white rice, which is subsidised by the government. Some shops have also imposed purchase limits, allowing only one bag of rice per family.
Photo via Berita Harian
Sharon Pooi, a 47-year-old shop owner, shared that her store only allows Malaysians to purchase local white rice, “We check every customer’s MyKad to ensure the rice doesn’t end up in the hands of foreigners. In my shop, each family is allowed to buy only two bags of local white rice,” she explained.
Although some customers have complained about having to show their MyKad, Pooi stressed that the policy will remain in place to ensure the subsidies benefit the intended recipients.
Yaw, a 23-year-old trader, has taken a more systematic approach by displaying clear notices informing customers about the two-bag limit: “We also put up signs stating that customers must show their MyKad before purchasing the rice,” he added.
Yaw believes this system not only ensures that the subsidised rice is sold to eligible Malaysians but also helps avoid misunderstandings.
In February, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security announced that 24 million packs of subsidised local white rice would be available from 1st March, priced at RM26 for a 10kg bag.
The initiative is expected to benefit 400,000 low-income households, including 77,000 who will receive direct rice subsidies.
