MALAYSIA (31 May)
Harvesting of the main paddy crop, normally accounting for 60 percent of total, and planting of the irrigated secondary paddy crop has been completed. The aggregate 2003 paddy output is estimated at 2.4 million tonnes, 14.8 percent higher than the 2002 crop, due to a combination of larger area and higher yield.
Normally a third of domestic rice consumption requirements are imported, whilst wheat and maize are almost entirely imported. The 2003 rice import requirement is reduced by 140 000 tonnes from the previous year to 500 000 tonnes reflecting an increase in rice production.
Wheat import in 2003/04 is projected at 1.35 million tonnes, unchanged from the previous year, while maize import is expected at 2.5 million tonnes, slightly higher than last year based on domestic demand changes.