Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Associations of Malaysia says this is partly due to the decline in the price of chicken feed.

Already, the current erratic weather conditions marked by heavy rain and strong winds since early this month, has taken a toll on padi fields in Tanjung Karang, Sekinchan and Sabak Bernam, Selangor at the onset of the padi harvest season, causing angst for farmers.

Chief Commissioner Azam Baki says the MACC was not looking at issues of hoarding rice but rather at the issue of subsidy that potentially has elements of corruption.

With the price of imported white rice shooting up, demand has increased for locally produced rice, leading to a shortfall.

"These matters will be presented in the cabinet meeting soon for direction and finalise decisions," PM Anwar Ibrahim said.

"KPDN cannot stop Gardenia from raising its product prices, but we can get reasons why they are doing so," said Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh.

KUALA LUMPUR: A video of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living deputy minister Fuziah Salleh buying household groceries with a RM200 budget has drawn criticism from netizens.

In the one minute 36 second video, the deputy minister was seen buying groceries such as biscuits, instant noodles, sardines, flour and cooking oil.

Local padi farming has seen years of lacklustre development in production. It is only able to maintain yield at a moderate rate, which is worrying since there is a large gap between production and food security