KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — Companies in Malaysia are urged to collaborate with local rice wholesalers in boosting sales that could profit both parties.

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said companies could provide assistance through flexible policies or business development programmes.

According to him, the number of active rice wholesalers dwindled after the rice subsidy programme for Super Tempatan ST15 (15 per cent broken grain) was abolished.         

"The price of Bumiputera-owned products is capable of sustaining business through ‘hard selling’,” he said at a prize-giving ceremony here yesterday. — Bernama