SHAH ALAM - The proposed restriction on foreigners buying local rice is a temporary solution to the basic supplies shortage crisis
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh argued that the proposal should not be seen as inhumane.
According to him, it is more inhumane if Malaysians can only watch foreigners buy local rice that is subsidised by the government.
"Inhumane measure he said?
"When there is enough and even excessive rice supply, then let anybody buy it. Now, the thing is rice supply is insufficient, Datuk," Akmal wrote on his Facebook page today.
He made the remark in response to a statement made by Subang and Shah Alam Consumers Association (CASSA) president Datuk Seri Dr Jacob George who perceived the proposal as inhumane to foreigners in the country.
Akmal even urged the president to get on the ground to get a glimpse of the reality.
"Please go out and see for yourself, not just sit at home and eat imported rice," he slammed.
Akmal had previously defended his proposal to ban the sale of local rice to foreigners following price hikes driven by the lack of supply in the market.
He stressed that the issue is not a matter of discrimination stating that priority should be given to Malaysians.