Heavy rainfall devastated Indonesia, killing at least 604 people.  As of 1 December 2025, torrential rainfall battered large parts of Sumatra in Indonesia, causing landslides and flooding.  At least 604 people died, 464 were still missing, and 2,600 were injured. The worst devastation occurred in North Sumatra, where at least 283 people were confirmed dead. More than 1.5 million people were affected, and roughly 570,000 people were evacuated to shelters with limited access to clean water and electricity. Local governments struggled to restore communications and reach communities cut off by collapsed bridges, impassable roads, and damaged power lines.

Source: The Star. (2025, Dec 2).  Sumarta flood death toll soars past 600 as hundreds remain missing.

Tropical Storm Senyar weakened before lashing parts of Malaysia. As of 28 November 2025, Tropical Storm Senyar had weakened and transitioned into a low-pressure system in Malaysia, but cloud formation and rainfall activity remained active. As a result, persistent heavy rain, strong winds, and turbulent seas were reported, particularly in Pahang and Terengganu. It made landfall along the Selangor–Negeri Sembilan border. There were six residents in Jalan Bukit Berlian 2, Taman Bukit Berlian affected and evacuated following a landslide behind their houses. Local authorities issued warnings and urged the public to stay alert for weather updates.

Source: The Vibes. (2025, Nov 28).  Senyar weakens but threatens Peninsular Malaysia with heavy rain and strong winds.

Indonesia announced a ban on rice imports due to production volume. The President of Indonesia has officially banned rice imports, citing national rice reserves and rising domestic production. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the country expects to produce 34.8 million tonnes of rice in 2026, making imports unnecessary, and the government also blocks any attempts to import rice through illegal channels. Moreover, the announcement has already affected to global rice market. Viet Nam and Thailand rice prices have declined in response to reduced demand from Indonesia, which is one of the world’s largest rice importers.

Source: AzerNews. (2025, November 25). Indonesia stops rice imports. 

Main crop paddy increases sharply, reaching its highest level in 2025. According to the Department of Internal Trade (DIT), the price for main-crop paddy from 2025/26 increases, aligning with the government’s strategy to support key agricultural commodities, especially rice, which remains a critical source of income for farmers nationwide. Following the National Rice Policy and Management Committee meeting on November 18, measures were launched to absorb excess paddy ahead of the harvest peak at year-end. These include rice-stock pledging, delayed-sale schemes, warehouse-deposit programmes, and a nationwide paddy trade-fair initiative. Moreover, DIT and provincial commerce were launched on 10 November 2025, covering the North, Northeast, and Central regions. The fairs aim to enable direct purchases by millers and buyers from outside farming areas, thereby reducing transport costs, expanding sales channels, and resolving localised problems where buyers are scarce

Source: Nation Thailand. (2025, November 21). Thai rice market surges as jasmine rice hits 16,100 baht per tonne. 

Viet Nam continues to be one of the world’s top rice exporters. According to the Viet Nam Food Association (VFA), Vietnam has exported 7 million tonnes of rice, and the overall export value is expected to reach 8 million tonnes for the year. Vietnam’s rice exports have maintained robust growth, helping the country remain among the world’s leading exporters alongside India and Thailand. However, compared to 2024, Viet Nam’s rice export volume has declined by 1 million tonnes due to the Philippines' rice import suspension, as the Philippines accounted for 40 percent of Viet Nam’s total rice exports. If this situation continues into the winter-spring crop, both enterprises and farmers will face significant pressure. However, even with the Philippines halting imports, Vietnam has maintained rice exports of nearly 500,000 tonnes per month. This demonstrates the flexible adaptability of enterprises in expanding their markets. Many new markets, such as Africa, China, and Japan, are emerging as bright spots. On the international front, Viet Nam’s rice sector faces pressure from the Philippines and Indonesia, which are two of its largest export markets, move toward food self-sufficiency. These challenges encourage Viet Nam to diversify the rice export market and improve the quality and value of its rice.

Source: Agrideco Vietnam Co., Ltd. (2025, November 21). Vietnam’s rice continues to affirm its position as a leading global export