Ahmad Mukhsein Mukhtar
ALOR STAR: The authorities seized 180 metric tonnes of local white rice worth about RM405,000 which was hoarded at a rice mill in Tokai, Pendang yesterday.
The joint operation by the Integrated Special Task Force for the Enforcement of White Rice Operations (OP BPT) comprising of various government agencies was led by Agriculture and Food Security deputy minister Chan Foong Hin.
Chan said in the joint operation, the task force discovered 180 metric tonnes of Super Special Local 5 per cent Grade (SST5) kept in a jumbo container.
"The rice miller is being investigated for allegedly violating regulations by stockpiling rice without an appropriate licence.
"I would like to issue a stern warning to all parties to comply with the established laws.
"The ministry and members of the task force will take strict action against anyone, whether individual or companies, found to be in violation of existing regulations.
"Don't take advantage of the situation, as this is the time for us to work together to ensure an adequate and affordable food supply for the people, rather than exploiting consumers or farmers for quick profits," he told reporters at the scene today.
Chan however declined to elaborate on details regarding the company due to ongoing investigations.
He said the case is being investigated under the Padi and Rice Control Act 1994 (Act 522) and the Padi and Rice Control (Wholesaler and Retailer Licensing) Regulations 1996.
"If found guilty, the rice miller may face fines of up to RM25,000 for the first offence.
"The Padi and Rice Regulatory Body director-general may also revoke or suspend the license through a written notice," he added.
He said rice samples confiscated during the operation were sent to the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute to determine its origin.
He explained that DNA testing would be conducted to determine whether illicit activities such as repackaging of local white rice for sale at the price of imported white rice, were indeed taking place at the factory.
Meanwhile, Chan said that the task force would continue to conduct further inspections and operations in rice mills nationwide to combat local white rice hoarding activity.
"We are bringing up enforcement to a higher level to ensure that this local white rice supply issue could be resolved," he added.