Malaysia Keen On "Friendly Trade Ties" With India

Due to the impact of India's export restrictions on rice, sugar, and onions, Malaysian Minister for Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani expressed a desire for “friendly ties” and proposed an arrangement to secure supplies from India. Ghani highlighted that these restrictions negatively affect Malaysia. "We need sugar, onions, and basmati rice. Our domestic rice production only meets 65% of our needs, and the demand for basmati rice is increasing. Approximately 25% of our population prefers basmati rice. We believe that India can allocate some quantities of these essential commodities for Malaysia even if there is an overall ban," he told Business Today TV.