KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Youth chief Dr Muhammad Akmal Salleh says he has uncovered the unscrupulous activities of rice cartels that have been duping the public by converting Super Special Local (SST) rice into broken rice and selling it at inflated prices.
Describing this act as a betrayal to the people, Dr Akmal denounced these cartels for selling the SST rice at broken rice prices, which are not subject to price controls.
He pointed out that while the official price for local rice is set at RM2.6 per kg, the cartel has sold it at RM3.4 per kg by altering sales receipts to match the prices of broken rice.
“This is a betrayal of the highest order, oppressing our people,” said Dr Akmal, who is the Melaka Rural Development, Agriculture, and Food Security state exco, said in a Facebook post earlier today.
This morning, Dr Akmal pledged to disclose further information about the rice cartels to the public, pointing out how some manufacturers were intentionally misleading consumers about the price of broken rice and SST rice.
“We are committed to defending the rights of our citizens,” he asserted.
Elaborating on the issue, Dr Akmal said the government’s move to offer various subsidies were ultimately undermined by these unscrupulous actors, leading to the suffering of the people.
He also proposed several solutions, including the reestablishment of the Padi and Rice Board and the implementation of rigorous enforcement measures.
“Do not think that we will turn a blind eye to factories outside of Melaka (town), although we lack detailed information on them. Fortunately for the factory involved in this case is situated outside of Melaka, because if it were in Melaka we would have taken action including seizures,” he said.
Dr Akmal then hinted at more revelations in the near future. – October 2, 2023