KUALA LUMPUR: The decision on the pricing mechanism for the new category of white rice, Malaysia Madani white rice, will be determined Friday (Feb 23), says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the matter will be discussed during the National Action Council for Cost of Living (Naccol) meeting scheduled for later in the day.

"However, any announcement regarding the price, especially of white rice, will be determined by the government.

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"If there are any personal suggestions, sure, because this is a democratic country and it can be done.

"But the final decision is made by the government," Anwar told reporters after launching the International Financial Hub at Exchange 106 at TRX.

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The Malaysia Madani white rice initiative came under fire from stakeholders and the public last week after Naccol task force (food cluster) chairman Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Faisal said all white rice will be put under one category of Malaysia Madani white rice, doing away with the imported white rice category from March 1.

Anwar also pointed out that Friday’s meeting will touch on related matters including the sale of fish, chicken, beef and vegetables.