JOHOR BAHRU – Stern action awaits greedy millers who illegally label rice products following the recent price hike of imported ones, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
He has given his assurance that such underhanded tactics are being dealt with by the relevant agencies to ensure a sufficient supply of rice.
“The ministry, in cooperation with the rice supply regulatory body, will take action via existing laws. The situation is under control,” he told reporters here after inspecting supplies at a hypermarket in Tampoi here today.
He added that relevant agencies have the power to suspend or revoke licences given to rice millers if any are found to be flouting the law.
Meanwhile, Mat Sabu has advised the public not to panic buy as the local rice supply is sufficient for domestic consumption.
He reiterated that padi millers and rice wholesalers have been asked to increase the supply of local white rice by 20% through the Local White Rice Special Programme as one of the intervention measures.
In addition, the ministry will meet with Padiberas Nasional Bhd and padi farmers this Thursday, to discuss steps to ensure sufficient local rice in the country. – September 5, 2023