PARIT BUNTAR: The government has increased the rate of the Padi Price Subsidy Scheme (SSHP) for the first time after many years, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the subsidy rate has been increased from the current RM360 per metric tonne to RM500 per metric tonne, the highest increase to date.

He said the last time the subsidy rate had been increased was when he was the Finance Minister some 25 years ago.

“The subsidy rate will increase starting tomorrow (Aug 9),” he said in his speech at the launch of the state-level Sentuhan Agro Madani event held at Dataran Kerian Permai here Tuesday (Aug 8).

Anwar said with this move, the farmers would receive at least RM1,700 per metric tonne, and this would increase their income as well as motivate them to increase production.

“The increase in the SSHP rate involves an additional financial implication around RM360mil per year, and the total SSHP allocation will reach RM1bil per year.

“Besides that, the government is also committed to review the rice grading mechanism based on the parameters of the factories, namely in terms of the quality, moisture and cleanliness of the rice variety to guarantee a reasonable and fair price to the padi farmers,” he added.

“I don’t care about what anyone says, for me the priority is to increase the country’s economy, and ensure the people's well-being is taken care of.

“I wish to bring in investors, where some big names are already in the country,” he added