KANGAR, March 7- Since March 1, over 50 retailers have received and sold Local White Rice (BPT) sourced from manufacturers in Kedah, with more than 50 metric tons distributed.

Retailers involved include Pasar Raya Seri Utama, Pasar Raya Al Naim Sdn Bhd, Pasar Raya Ishah Bintong, as well as FAMA marketing outlets such as Agrobazaar Rakyat Borong Wann.

Wan Mohd Shafizan Wan Nan, Manager of Agrobazaar Rakyat Borong Wann, shared that the supply of 500 packs of BPT has been received in stages since March 4 from Kedah manufacturers.

"Local White Rice has been in high demand, especially among residents around Felcra Lubuk Sireh and the Titi Tinggi area," he said.

He also assured that supplies would be increased according to demand to ensure that the needs of residents in Titi Tinggi are met.

The government's efforts to boost BPT supply are part of the Madani Government's initiative to ease the financial burden on the B40 group.

In response to the rising cost of living, the government has expedited the distribution of local rice to ensure that retailers and consumers can access it at reasonable prices.

This increase in BPT supply is also expected to reduce the community's reliance on imported rice, which is more expensive.

Perlis Agriculture, Plantation and Consumerism Exco, Razali Saad, noted that, compared to March 1, BPT is now more readily available in most grocery stores, supermarkets, Agrobazaars, and other retail outlets.

"The government is committed to ensuring that the B40 group is not burdened by the high price of rice," he said. "This step to accelerate the distribution of local rice is part of the government's long-term initiative to ensure food supply stability in the country."