Imported rice from India, Thailand and the Philippines, packed in 10-kg and 15-kg sacks, have started entering the rice market in Jambi, mainly in the supermarkets.

All the rice might be imported from Malaysia as it only needs few hours from Muara Sabak Port in Tanjung Jabung Timur District or Kuala Tungkal in Tanjung Jabung Barat District to reach Malaysia or Singapore.

The price of the commodity was raised sharply in the past several weeks. The government said it would import the staple to help curb the soaring price.