Malaysia to request more 500,000MT of white rice from India

Malaysia plans to request an additional 500,000 metric tons of white rice from India, in addition to the 170,000 tons already allocated for the year, Reuters reported on Thursday.

India, the world’s top rice exporter, has limited shipments to address inflation and ensure food security.

Malaysia’s annual rice consumption is 2.5 million metric tons, with an average imported supply of 750,000 tons, according to state-run rice importer Bernas.

Agriculture Minister Mohamad Sabu announced the upcoming official request to India after a meeting with India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

In January, Malaysia also requested 100,000 metric tons of onions from India through a government-to-government arrangement.