PUTRAJAYA: The government is prepared to investigate claims on the existence of cartels in the padi and rice industries in the country.
In a press conference today, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali expressed his willingness to cooperate with relevant authorities on condition that the ministry is provided with proof and materials related to such claims.
"There were some issues that are being debated over the existence of rice cartels. The ministry is open to cooperate if the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry or any other parties are ready to provide information or proof on the activities of rice cartels in the country," he said.
Armizan said that any effort to eradicate such activities will help the growth of the industry.
He also said that it was better for Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu to address the matter as it falls under the latter's profile.
Yesterday, it was reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had denied allegations suggesting that the Malaysia Madani white rice initiative will benefit cartels.
He said that the Madani white rice initiative will not tolerate any intervention from rice cartels.
Previously, it was reported that a Special Meeting of the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL), to be chaired by the prime minister, will be held this Friday to discuss the cost of living issue, especially the rice supply situation in the country.
Armizan said the ministry, as the NACCOL secretariat, had received confirmation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security that the issue of the country's rice supply would be one of the matters to be discussed.