PUTRAJAYA – The Rice and Padi Regulatory Division and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry seized 645.75 metric tonnes of subsidised rice worth RM2.1 million through Op Taring Bravo 3 at a warehouse in Sibu, Sarawak, recently.
The operation was carried out by the Padi Regulatory Division with the cooperation of the Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian Checkpoints and Border Agency on May 15 and 16.
In today’s statement, the Agriculture Ministry said various grades of rice, including imported white rice (BPI), were seized during the operation at the warehouse, which was found not to have been issued with a licence under the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 (Act 522).
“The Padi Regulatory Division has sealed the rice stock along with the related documents for further investigation under Act 522 and the Control of Padi and Rice (Licencing of Wholesalers and Retailers) Regulations 1996 P.U. (A) 624,” it said.
The government has agreed to provide a subsidy of RM950 per tonne for BPI from October 5 in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan to enable the BPI to be obtained at a retail price of RM31 per 10kg.
The ministry said that misappropriating subsidised goods is an action that is irresponsible and brings losses to the country.
“The Padi Regulatory Division always collaborates with the enforcement agencies to curb those who try to misappropriate BPI in Sabah and Sarawak, including attempts to take the rice out of the country,” it said.
Complaints or information can be channelled through the Rice and Padi Regulatory Division’s complaint portal or by contacting the division head office in Putrajaya at 03-8870-1751/1748/1183. – May 22, 2024